DRTF: Briefing with Doug Umbers, Interim Chief Executive of Defence Science & Technology Laboratory
10am – 11am18 January 2022
Webinar
Join Doug Umbers, interim chief executive of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), for this exclusive webinar for Tech UK members.
Dstl, the science inside UK defence and security, is at the forefront of delivering on the Government’s ambitious agenda to secure science superpower status by 2030.
It is also embarking on its most ambitious agenda to date to develop the best innovative technologies and cutting-edge science to keep the UK safe – spending around an extra £1bn with industry and academia over the next four years.
Dstl is prioritising funding research in industry and academia across AI, space, cyber, autonomy, emerging technologies and other capabilities for the MOD and Government.
Dstl is a proven defence asset, but we can only deliver on this exciting agenda by working with the best of the science and technology community from all sectors.
We are offering unprecedented opportunities in funding, access to world-class expertise and advice, access to users, access to inside knowledge, a deep operational understanding, and access to partners who can help you develop, exploit, and commercialise your innovations.
The format of the event will be as follows:
Matt Albans, Chair of the Defence & Research Technology Forum, will introduce Doug Umbers, Interim Chief Executive, DSTL
Doug Umbers will give a short presentation
Matt will ask Doug some questions and start an interactive discussion
The floor will then be open for wider Q&A
Fred Sugden
Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
Fred Sugden
Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
Jeremy Wimble is the Programme Manager for Defence at techUK.
Jeremy is responsible for the delivery of the defence programme’s activities through the Defence and Security SME Forum, Defence Commercial Business Forum, Defence Research and Technology Forum, and Information Superiority Forum.
Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). In this role he coordinated the team’s research and impact activities for funders including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and US Department of Defense. He also worked on business development and strategy.
Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.
Raya Tsolova is the Programme Manager for National Security at techUK.
Raya is responsible for all National Security related activities across techUK, specifically in the established programmes of Defence, Cyber Security and Justice & Emergency Services. Raya will leverage relationships with existing stakeholders across the three programmes, and will build new relationships between techUK and key stakeholders who are of interest to member companies.
Prior to joining techUK, Raya worked in Business Development for an expert network firm within the institutional investment space. Before this Raya spent a year in industry working for a tech start-up in London as part of their Growth team which included the formation and development of a 'Let's Talk Tech' podcast and involvement in London Tech Week.
Raya has a degree in Politics and International Relations (Bsc Hons) from the University of Bath where she focused primarily on national security and counter-terrorism policies, centreing research on female-led terrorism and specific approaches to justice there.
Outside of work, Raya's interests include baking, spin classes and true-crime Netflix shows!
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!