Kim Lake
Kim Lake, Head of Earth Observation and Science Projects at OHB Space UK. OHB Space UK is the new UK subsidiary of OHB SE, a leading European large scale integrator specialising in the development, implementation and operation of complete space systems. Kim has a PhD in Quantum Technology and has over 10 years experience in the Science, Technology and Space industry including involvement at component, Payload and Satellite system level through projects such as PACE, TRUTHS and IASI-NG.
Dr Mark Woods
Dr Mark Woods is Head of Robotics, Autonomy & AI (RAAI), Chief Strategy Officer, and Board Member at CFMS. With over 20 years of experience in the space sector, Dr Woods has led innovation in RAAI and intelligent systems for space exploration, working for or in collaboration with ESA, the UK Space Agency, Airbus, TAS, NASA JPL, and others. His work includes leading key autonomy elements of the ExoMars Rover mission and first-of-a-kind AI deployments in both space and non-space commercial applications. He advises on strategic RAAI adoption, disruptive technology innovation, next-generation autonomy tools. He sits on UKSA's Space Exploration Advisory Committee as an external expert representing non-LSI industry within the UK, is a member of the Space West steering committee and sits on various other industrial/academic advisory groups.
Alex Hale
Alex Hale is the Space Programme Lead at the NCC with over 10 years of experience leading science and engineering technology development projects in the Space sector for a range of different public sector organisations, such as NPL and the University of Bristol. Currently, Alex leads the delivery of a portfolio of composite engineering projects, and leads the cross-HVMC space working group.
Dr Philippe Blondell
Dr Philippe Blondel works at the University of Bath. He holds a PhD in Physics/Remote Sensing from the University of Paris-VII, and his PhD was about radar imaging of Venus. He then worked at the University of Washington, the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences Deacon Laboratory and the Southampton Oceanography Centre. Physics can be used to explore our own planet, including volcanic fields and oceans, and the same techniques support exploration of planets and asteroids. Philippe is interested in asteroid mining, Space Situational Awareness in planetary/asteroid environments and the imaging of space debris. He often works with industry on collaborative projects and he contributed to the UK Parliament POSTNote "Defence of space-based assets" (https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pn-0654/).
Rebecca Huffee
Rebecca Huffee is Cluster Manager for Space West based at the National Composites Centre in 2023. She works collaboratively with her Space Cluster colleagues from across the UK to accelerate innovation and grow the space sector in the UK. Prior to the this she was a programme manager for Space and Net Zero at the University of Bristol, engaging with industry and policymakers to support the university’s academic community to understand industrial and policy challenges to help deliver innovation for real world problems.
Dr Lucy Berthoud
Professor Berthoud has over 25 years of experience in spacecraft research and industry. She holds a Master's in Mechanical Engineering (Bristol) and a PhD in Space Physics (Sup’Aero/ONERA, France). She has worked at ESA, NASA Johnson Space Center, and Airbus (formerly BAe Space Systems). At the University of Bristol, she teaches Space Systems and Systems Engineering, with research focused on microsatellites, Mars missions, planetary protection, and active debris removal. She also works part-time at Thales Alenia Space. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, she was awarded a University of Bristol Teaching Fellowship in 2016 and the UK National Teaching Fellowship in 2019. She also leads the Space Universities Network.
Nick Crew
Nick Crew is the Research & Technology Key Account Manager for Public Funding and Co-operations at Airbus Defence and Space. He works within a cross-national team shaping the UK’s national technology and innovation plan. He also serves as COO of Airbus Endeavr Wales, commissioning early-stage research in partnership with the Welsh Government. Nick collaborates with academia, start-ups, SMEs, and industry, managing a broad challenge-led innovation portfolio. A Chartered Mechanical Engineer, he has delivered major systems and service solutions for defence, government, and commercial clients worldwide. He works closely with government, industry, and academia to promote technology development and innovation that supports Airbus strategy and drives UK economic growth.
Dr Matthew Studley
Matthew Studley's career in robotics has been driven by a commitment that Godlike Technology results in more good than harm, and that it should be possible for citizens to have a say in their future. As the co-Director of the Bristol Robotics Laboratory and Director of Engineering Research at the University of the West of England, he drives strategic initiatives, fosters international collaborations, and ensures research aligns with ethical standards. His work spans robotics, machine learning and AI, autonomous weapons, standards and sustainability, with a keen focus on embedding ethics into every stage of technological development. He serves as a board member for the European Robotics League via euRobotics aisbl, where he advances the consideration of ethical and social impacts of robotics through international competitions.
Joe Palmer
Joe graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2018 with a Masters in Aerospace Engineering, specialising in Aerodynamics, Propulsion, and Space. He then proceeded to crowbar space into every role since, including next generation aerial refuelling, and research and development. He succeeded at MBDA UK, where he is now UK Space Lead. Joe is an emerging technology and early lifecycle specialist, taking projects from the earliest concept through to demonstrating feasibility. Joe also represents the Royal Aeronautical Society on the Steering Board. A member for nine years, Joe sits on the society Council and the Next Generation Board, as well as Chairing the Young Person’s Committee. His focus and passion is to expand the role of the society in the space sector.
Hollie Wakefield
Hollie is a passionate community builder who believes that opportunity and innovation thrive through human connection. With a diverse background spanning global financial markets, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, she champions the power of collective ambition to tackle society’s biggest challenges. As General Manager of CyNam, Hollie leads the Executive Team in driving strategy execution for Gloucestershire’s cyber tech sector, focusing on ecosystem development, innovation and investment, and skills growth.
Sarah Rogers
As programme director within the leadership team at the CSA Catapult, Sarah is responsible for ensuring a clear view of the commercial and collaborative business pipeline and that we have the resources to be able to successfully deliver projects in line with our strategy and revenue targets.
Stephen Potts
Stephen Potts is the Chief of Finance & Operations at the Satellite Applications Catapult. In addition to providing a link to the Board of the Catapult supporting Space sector growth, he lives in Bristol, previously worked at UKHO, EA/Defra and started life as a strategy consultant for Accenture. He co-leads the SAC Security & Defence work which aligns with Space West priority theme.
Ben Olivier
Ben Olivier has worked in Bristol’s space industry for nearly 40 years. At BAE Space Systems, he contributed to major missions including Hubble, SOHO, ENVISAT, and Rosetta. Following the closure of Matra Marconi Space’s Filton site, he joined SEA Ltd, helping grow it into the UK’s largest independent space electronics supplier before its acquisition by Thales Alenia Space, where he served as CEO until 2019. He led key projects including the EU Copernicus Multi Angle Polarimeter and an electric propulsion facility in Belfast. More recently, Ben has supported early-stage growth at iCOMAT and Space Forge, and worked at Arqit on quantum-capable systems. He now advises companies and agencies, and chaired the 2023 UK Space Conference programme committee.
Eric Sanders
Eric Sanders is part of the West of England's Inward Investment service: Invest Bristol & Bath. Eric and his team develop sector-based campaigns to promote opportunities in the West of England, and work with companies to secure their investment in the region.
Dr Sana Belguith
Dr Sana Belguith is a Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security at University of Bristol and Research Institute for Sociotechnical Cyber Security Fellow. She leads the University of Bristol’s Cyber Security for Space Research Activity.
Tobias Lin
Tobias Lin is Head of Capabilities in the Space Directorate within the Department for Science Innovation and Technology. He was previously National Space Strategy Lead at the UK Space Agency.
Jim Sibson
Jim Sibson is Head of Research and Partnerships at Babcock International Group. He has been with Babcock for over 15 years and has been a strong advocate for the region, engaging with many regional initiatives including the development of a Western Regional Defence and Security Cluster.
Simon Reid
Simon Reid is CTO at Space DOTS, Director of Space Data Systems and Strategic Advisor at Pan Galactic. He was previously the Managing Director of DOrbit UK.
Simon Agass
Simon Agass is Director of Business Development at RiskAware. He has a background in geospatial intelligence and previously worked as Head of Geospatial Systems and Solutions at the Satellite Applications Catapult and Lead Technologist for Space Applications at UK Space Agency.
Dr Chris Toomer
Chris is an Associate Professor in Aeropsace Engineering at the University of West of England. Her research interests include: Hypersonic aerothermodynamics, ion thruster development, supersonic flow, access to space, space debris removal and in-space manufacture.