Brigadier General Vahur Karus

Commandant, Estonian Military Academy Estonian Defence Forces

BG Vahur Karus volunteered for his conscription in 1993 after graduating high school in Noarootsi and entered the service with the Single Infantry Company in Pärnu. After graduating from the junior NCO school he was appointed as a Squad Leader. In 1994 he was sent to Swedish Military Academy’s Infantry School in Linköping and was commissioned in 1996 upon graduation as a 2nd Lt to the Single Infantry Battalion in Pärnu. In this unit, he served as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander until he was accepted to Swedish Military Academy’s Junior Staff Officer Course in Skövde, Sweden. After graduation he continued his service in his former unit as Commander of the junior NCO training and as Chief of Staff of the battalion. In 2002 he was deployed to Kosovo and after completing the deployment he attended Swedish Military Academy’s Senior Staff Officer Course. In 2004 he was appointed as Chief of Staff of the Scouts Battalion in Paldiski and was deployed to Afghanistan as National Contingent Commander in 2006. After finishing his deployment in 2007 he attended the Swedish National Military University Advanced Command Program upon which he was appointed the Commanding Officer of the Scouts Battalion. Between 2013 and 2015 he served as MA to Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Gen Riho Terras. He graduated from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 2016 and served until 2018 as deputy director of the defence planning department of the Estonian MoD. Between 2018 and 2021, BG Karus was Commanding Officer of 1st Estonian Infantry Brigade. He is a proud father of two daughters. He is fluent in Swedish and English and can manage in German and Russian. BG Karus takes keen interest in military history and speed skating.

Lt General Eduardo Wolski

Chief of Systems Development Center Brasília Brazil

Gen EDUARDO WOLSKI is the Chief of the Systems Development Center of the Brazilian Army. He reached his current rank on March 31, 2021. Born on October 26, 1965, in the city of Campinas-SP, he joined the ranks of the Army on February 14, 1981, at the Preparatory School for Army Cadets, where he completed the course in 1983. He joined the Academia Militar das Agulhas Negras in 1984 and was commissioned into the Brazilian Army Corps of Engineers on December 12, 1987. His military education also includes the Military Institute of Engineering, the Army General Staff School, the Army Intelligence School, and the Argentine National Defense School. In addition to military training, he holds a lato sensu degree in Networks and Distributed Systems, from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, and a master's degree in Electrical Engineering, from the University of Brasília, working in the area of cryptography. Served in the following barracks: 4th Combat Engineering Battalion and Research and Development Institute. He was head of the Final Group on Information Security at the Department of Science and Technology. Commanded the 7th Telematics Area Center in the biennium 2006 - 2007. He was designated Military Advisor in the Institutional Security Office of the Presidency of the Republic, from 2008 to 2009, and Supervisor of the Cyber Shield Project, at the Integrated Telematics Center of the Army, in 2011. He was Deputy Chief of the Army Integrated Telematics Center, from 2013 to 2016. As a General, he has been leading the Systems Development Center effort since April 28, 2017, to provide software engineering products and services to the entire Brazilian Army. His national awards and decorations include the Order of Military Merit (Grand Officer rank), Order of Aeronautical Merit, Military Gold Medal, Peacekeeper Medal, and Commando Gold Badge.

Maj Shaun Clarke

SO2 Urban Warfare Development Combat Manoeuvre Centre

Shaun Clarke is the head of the British Army’s Urban Centre within the Combat Manoeuvre Centre. During his career he has deployed operationally to Bosnia and Afghanistan, most recently during the evacuation of Kabul in 2021, as well as training missions across Europe and Africa. He has worked extensively with both the US and French Army as well an instructor role at the RoyalMilitary Academy Sandhurst. In his current urban warfare role, he has overseen the creation of the Urban Centre, established inSep 22 and has since begun to lay the foundations for the British Army’s approach to urban warfare in response to Op MOBILISE. He has a particular focus on the developing a training model that best reflects the complexity of the contemporary urban environment. The blending of physical, virtual and cognitive training is a fundamental aspect of this and demands a training environment that can seamlessly blend the three. Despite all of this, he still can’t see the point of his son’s obsession with Fortnite and doesn’t see this as a viable model for the British Army.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh QPM

Chief Executive Officer College of Policing

Chief Constable Andy Marsh QPM joined the College of Policing as Chief Executive Officer in 2021. He is the longest-serving Chief Constable in England and Wales and has a breadth of experience to draw from as the leader of policing’s professional body. Positioning the College as a relevant, dynamic, and connected system leader he is driving policing improvement based on the evidence of what works, by delivering betters standards and improving leadership. Andy’s police career started in 1987 as a constable in Avon and Somerset Police. After operational and detective roles at various ranks, he went on to lead Hampshire and, latterly, Avon and Somerset, as Chief Constable. He oversaw large-scale transformation in Hampshire, leading the force to be recognised as one of the best value for money nationally. In Avon and Somerset, he led the internationally acclaimed approach to data by using advanced predictive analytics andvisualisation to manage demandin tandem with equipping officers and staff with the latest technology. This enabled the Force to be recognised as oneof the most efficient and effective. Andy played a significantroleas the UK's National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) lead forbody worn video where he pioneered the increased use of this vital technology. Andy was responsible for the NPCC International Coordination portfolio for six years,leadingand advising on police modernisation programmes globally. In 2018, he was awarded a Queen's Police Medal, and in the same year he was recognisedby Women of the Future in its list of '50 Kind Leaders'. He is married with two daughters and enjoys fly fishing, hill walking, and rowing.

Gp Capt Ryan Morris

Directorate of Flying Training HQ, No. 22 Gp, MOD Abbey Wood

Group Captain Ryan Morris is a Royal Air Force Helicopter Pilot who spent much of his early career flying the Merlin EH101, mainly operating between the UK, Iraq and Afghanistan, but also across Europe, Morocco, Jordan, Kenya, and the USA. Having completed staff tours in Permanent Joint Headquarters, The British Embassy in Washington DC and within the Royal Air Force’s Release to Service authority, Morris has had a varied career to date and has amassed a breadth of experience in various environments. Having recently concluded a tour as Officer Commanding No. 35 Wing, within No. 6 Flying TrainingSchool, with responsibility for all University Air Squadron Training Units in the South of the UK, Morris was posted into the Directorate of Flying Training where he heads up the planning cell that supports the UK Military Flying Training System and the Defence College of Air and Space Operations.

Jonathan Searle

Head of the Modelling & Simulation Group, DMSO & Cranfield University

Head of Modelling & Simulation Group for Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the UK at Shrivenham.   Originally educated as a biologist (long lapsed!) 43+ years experience of Defence Modelling & Simulation.  First 10 years in R&D, then 33+ years teaching. Member of SISO, UK MOD M&S Technical Authority and Technical Adviser to UK MOD DMSO and DSC. Course Director for delivery of postgraduate education in Defence Modelling and Simulation. Teaching includes: wargaming, Computer Generated Forces, real-time 3D computer graphics, terrain generation and DIS/HLA distributed simulation.  Lectured on M&S for NATO in many countries throughout Europe and delivered courses in other countries including the USA, Singapore and Australia.  Established (1994), and still leads, the Defence Academy Simulation and Synthetic Environment Laboratory (SSEL).

Patrick Rowe

Executive Director, Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization

Patrick Rowe currently serves as the Executive Director of the Simulation InteroperabilityStandards Organization (SISO). He manages the day-to-day operations of SISO and serves as the primary point of contact for the SISO Community of Practice. Patrick works closely with the volunteer leadership of SISO (Board of Directors, Standards Activity Committee, ConferenceCommittee, etc.) to plan and execute the full range of SISO activities – including standards development, event planning, membership, and communications. Before joining SISO, Mr. Rowe served as the Director of Membership & Certification for theNational Training and Simulation Association (NTSA), an affiliate of the National Defense IndustrialAssociation (NDIA). Patrick managed all NTSA membership activities, as well as the Certified Modeling & Simulation Professional (CMSP) certification program. He assisted with the planning and execution of numerous meetings and conferences, including the annual I/ITSEC event (with approximately 15,000 attendees), and managed an array of other projects and initiatives. Prior to joining NTSA, Patrick served as Director, Membership Services for InfoComm, a global trade association representing the professional audiovisual and information communications industries. Patrick spent his early childhood in the U.K. before his family relocated to the United States. He attended the University of Virginia, and is currently based in Arlington, VA

Felicity Brazington

Senior Project Manager, MOD Modelling & Simulation, DE&S

Since joining the MOD in 2019 Felicity has specialised in Training & Simulation projects, first on the future Dreadnaught submarine programme for Navy Command and more recently as a Project Manager for individual and crew training systems for the British Army. She is currently the co-chair of the MOD Modelling & Simulation Community of Interest. Felicity has previously worked on Network Rail projects in the South West for Balfour Beatty and holds an MSc in Logistics and OperationsManagement from Cardiff University

Brigadier Caroline J Woodbridge-Lewin MBE

Commandant, Defence College of Technical Training (DCTT)

Colonel Caroline Woodbridge-Lewin was commissioned into the Royal Signals in 1995 and whilst serving has secured a Batchelors degree in Electronic Systems Engineering and a Masters in Information Management and Technology through Cranfield University and the Royal Military College of Science. She has held various Regimental appointments serving in the United Kingdom, USA, Cyprus, Germany, Bosnia and Iraq. She has attended the Joint Services Command and Staff College on the Intermediate and Advanced Command and Staff Courses and has served as a Directing Staff at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and at the Defence Academy within the Intermediate Division. At staff, she has worked within the Special Forces Directorate as a Capability & Acquisition SO2, in Support Command delivering personnel, welfare and casualty services, within the Army Information Directorate as part of the A2020 review team, as Chief of Staff of the Defence Academy and recently assumed the role of Head Information Warfare Group. She commanded 2 Signal Regiment from 2016 to 2018, which included a deployment to Norway on Ex TRIDENT JUNCTURE in an experimentation role as a Brigade Information Manoeuvre Group Commander. She is a Governor of Welbeck College, has served as a co-Chair of the Army Servicewomen’s Network and is currently Chair of Hut Eighteen, a Defence led Information Warfare Network. She enjoys playing and coaching hockey, cycling, skiing and walking in the hills with her two daughters, Sophie (10) and Amelie (6), and her springer, Harley.

Wg Cdr Ruari Henderson-Begg

Air Capability Delivery, DOTC(A) Programme Manager, Air Command HQ

Born in Dec 71, Ruari joined the RAF in Aug 93, having completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical engineering at Loughborough University. On completion of IOT and Navigator training, he was posted to 17(F) Sqn at RAF Bruggen, where he was one of the last crews to qualify in the nuclear strike role on the Tornado GR1 and completed several detachments to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to enforce the Southern No Fly Zone. When 17(F) Sqn was disbanded in Mar 99, Ruari was posted to 14 Sqn and took part in operations over Kosovo. Following this he qualified as an Electronic Warfare instructor and Pairs Leader, as well as helping relocate the sqn to RAF Lossiemouth. In 2001, Ruari was posted to XV(R) Sqn, the Tornado GR4 OCU teaching ab-initio and refresher students to operate the aircraft. He completed a four year tour, acting as Sqn EWI, Stn CSRO and deputy Flt Cdr, and qualifying as an ACO and Fours Leader. Ruari subsequently served on 12(B) Sqn from 2005 to 2006, again acting as a Deputy Flt Cdr and gaining Air Combat Leader status before being selected for promotion. Ruari served as SO2 Development at the Air Warfare Centre from Jun 06 to Aug 08, becoming involved in trials facilitation and staffing for a wide number of platforms, before completing an OOA tour as SO2 A3 in the CAOC at Al Udeid, following which he was posted back to XV(R) Sqn as a Flt Cdr. Ruari acted as Sqn XO for most of his tour, helping the sqn implement a number of necessary changes and deliver a step change in output. In Jul 11, he was posted to the PJHQ as SO2 Issues and then as Desk Officer for the Op HERRICK Operations Team in J3, spending 3 months in HQ Task Force Helmand as the PJHQ Liaison Officer, before being selected for promotion to Wg Cdr and for ASST in Jul 12. Ruari completed AST and the associated Kings’ College London MA in Jul 13, writing his Defence Research Project on the feasibility of replacing the RAF’s current, aging ISTAR assets with a fleet of multi-mission aircraft. Following successful completion of AST, Ruari was posted to HQ Air to head up the Capability Integration Cell within 1 Gp. In Nov 2014 he was selected to command RAF Spadeadam, the RAF’s Electronic Warfare Trials and Training facility. He remained at RAF Spadeadam until Aug 17 before completing a 6-month Out-of-Area appointment as Chief of Combat ops within the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) at Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar, where he was responsible to the CFACC for daily management of Air Operations over Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. In Apr 18 Ruari was posted to HQ Air as the SO1 Programme Manager for the Defence Operational Training Capability (Air) (DOTC(A)). Since then he has been responsible for guiding the DOTC(A) programme through Main Gate and into the Delivery Phase. He is also a UK representative on the 5EYES Air Force Interoperability Council Operational Training Infrastructure Working Group. This tour is Ruari’s first foray into Project Management and Synthetics; it has proven to be a highly challenging but enjoyable role and a welcome opportunity to deliver a ground-breaking Modelling and Simulation capability for the RAF Ruari lives near Milton Keynes with his partner, her daughter and their dog. He has 2 daughters, aged 22 and 16, who currently live in the North-east; other interests take second place to spending time with them whenever possible. Ruari is a keen fencer but enjoys participating in a number of other sports including running, swimming and squash. He also (increasingly unsuccessfully) attempts to keep up with his daughters’ riding abilities.

Marryam Chaudhry

CEO & Founder, XR 2 LEAD

A technology visionary and people-oriented leader with 20+ years of international experience. She is the CEO & Founder of “XR2LEAD”, a global defense & aerospace company that provides cutting edge training & mission critical technology solutions. XR 2 LEAD’s expertise is designing AI based (Intelligent) Simulated Solutions for adaptive training, digital twins, and rapid decision-making tools. Its mission is to provide cutting edge immersive solutions to the military, to maximize the readiness of “The Warfighter of the Future”. Under her leadership, within 2 years of inception, XR 2 LEAD began to rapidly gain traction with successful contracts like winning a challenge for an AI adaptive training solution in VR and change management solutions for logistics command

Maj Tom Mouat MBE

Head of Defence Modelling and Simulation, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom

Tom is a graduate of the Army Staff College and has served in the Army since 1977. He is an expert in both manual and computer-based simulations, and running large scale military training exercises. He served with the ARRC including 12 months in Bosnia and was awarded an MBE. He also ran the Army's principal land-based simulation system for 3 years and served in the UK MOD's procurement organisation dealing with simulation systems for 5 years, where he was awarded the Chief of Defence Material Commendation for innovation. He has an MSc in Simulation & Modelling and is co-author of several books on simulation and educational Wargaming. He is currently responsible for Modelling and Simulation at the Defence Academy of the UK where he has been awarded the Chief Scientific Officer's Commendation for his contribution to science and technology.

Hannah Smith

Service Command Technical Authority Support, Defence Modelling & Simulation Office, DMSO) UK Strategic Command

Hannah joined the civil service in 2017 and trained as a project manager working for Defence Fire and Rescue. She then joined the Collective Training Transformation Programme as a Synthetics Desk Officer where she was involved with projects including Roundless TES, ICAVS(D) and DVS2. Hannah has also led on technical demonstrators, proving concepts for future approaches to training. Hannah is a member of several standards groups including Urban Combat Advanced Training Technology Standards, SISO and NMSG. At the beginning of 2023, Hannah joined the newly formed DMSO team as part of the technical authority. The DMSO technical authority aim to provide modelling and simulation support across defence, promoting interoperability, reuse, and value for money. Hannah is also studying for an MSc in Defence Modelling and Simulation.

Lt Cdr Michael Quinn MA RN

Staff Officer Training Manager (Submarines), Navy Command - Future Training

Lieutenant Commander Michael Quinn joined the Royal Navy in January 2010 and has served in ships, submarines and with the Royal Marines he has also served in the joint arena within a multi-national headquarters. This varied career has allowed him to travel throughout Europe and the USA and he has spent extensive time deployed in the Middle East and East Africa. A member of the Training Management (Submarines) specialisation he previously ran the school delivering basic submarine training to ratings on the Clyde and since January 2020 has worked in MOD Abbey Wood supporting DE&S and SDA project teams in providing training solutions to support new submarine capabilities. Michael lives in Bristol with his wife, five-year-old son and one-year-old Labrador.

Brigadier James Cook OBE PhD

Director Programme CASTLE, Army HQ, UK

Director Programme CASTLE - The British Army's talent management transformation programme.

Capt Charles Guy

Captain Joint Strike Training, Royal Navy

Exercise director for Joint live tactical training and RN Strike Group assurance.

Caroline Shawl

Principal Scientist, Defence Science & Technology Laboratory

Caroline Shawl is a Principal Scientist at Dstl – part of the UK Ministry of Defence. She is passionate about the exploitation of commercial and emerging technologies for Defence. Caroline has researched the use of technology for Defence Learning, Training and Education for 14 years, gaining experience in modelling and simulation, synthetic environments, COTS technologies and research contracting. The MOD Chief Scientific Advisor has recognised her contributions to this field, with a CSA Award. She is a recognised contributor to international research collaborations through NATO and TTCP, and has established world class research activities in her drive to deliver effective and evidence based, technology exploitation. More recently Caroline has led research into Learning Futures, establishing an understanding of how Defence Learning will transform in the coming years. Outside of the office, Caroline spends most of her time coaxing her 4 children away from technology and encouraging them to explore the natural world.

Cdr Morgan Long

Senior Product Manager & Talent Lead, Defence Digital Foundry

Mogsy completed the Defence Innovation Fellowship in Oct 20, accelerating his development and upskilling to become one of the digital leaders in Defence. He’s just finished leading multiple product teams across new and existing features within the MyNavy & MyRAF applications, winning several industry award recognitions last year. Having just moved into his current role, he continues to challenge historic ways of working, championing agile principles and user-centred design to provide a seamless user experience that prioritises utility, empowerment and personalisation for every user in Defence. These in turn, save time, improve efficiency and ensure personnel feel valued by the Service.

Col Colin Thomas

Assistant Head: Transition (AH Transition), Land Warfare Centre (LWC)

Programme & Project Management (change/developmental) within the military, educational and public sectors. Commissioned Army Reserve Officer (Colonel) with a wealth of experience in Command, Management and Operations. Secondary school teacher of Design Technology and Information Technology. Experienced team leader in various situations responsible for developing team vision, individual development, budget planning, HR and team administration.

Sean Litton

Air Force Enterprise Modeling and Simulation Lead, US Air Force Strategic Developmental Planning and Experimentation

Mr. Sean Litton currently serves as the lead for Air Force Enterprise Modeling and Simulation for Strategic Planning, Development and Experimentation (SDPE) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio. He is also the director of the Chief Modeling and Simulation Officer (CMSO) liaison office at WPAFB. Mr. Litton has worked for the DoD for over 20 years in the areas of test and evaluation, research and engineering, and modeling and simulation. Mr. Litton has served in the capacity of system engineer, test engineer, program manager, and principle engineer. Mr. Litton holds a BS in applied physics and an MS in mechanical engineering.

Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos

Strategy and Emerging Technology Advisor

Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos a global consultant advising on strategy, security and emerging technologies. She brings a systems thinking approach to her work, examining technology opportunities and risks in the context of global macro trends, geopolitics, international economics, climatic factors and demographic change. She continues to work with U.S. Special Operations, speaks at NATO events and has worked with the United Nations and the IEEE Standards Body. Passionate about spreading awareness on emerging technologies, she makes art about technology and has a multilingual, reflective game on emerging technologies called Sapien 2.0, which explores the human and machine relationship.

Brigadier John Wakelin OBE

Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP), Army Headquarters, UK

John Wakelin’s service began in Gorazde, patrolling from trench systems separating warring factions. Service followed in Kuwait, South Africa, Cyprus, and the Falkland Islands. He served in South Armagh as the Reconnaissance Platoon Commander before switching to Operations Officer for brigade-scale public order operations in Belfast. He went to Basra to review the protected mobility of combat units, before deploying as the mentor to the Afghan CO of the NCO School in Kabul. He then worked out of Bangladesh and Pakistan to support UK cross-government counter-terrorism projects. He commanded B Company 4 RIFLES through a violent marching season in Belfast. Then through Iraq, a tour characterised by combat in an urban environment at night, against a determined enemy. He then deployed to Libya as CGS’s adviser on training Libyan forces. Following the Advanced Command and Staff Course he deployed back to Afghanistan and the National Contingent Headquarters where he supported the British 3* Commander. Following unit command, and promotion to Colonel, he commanded British Forces in Somalia. Under his command British troops deployed forward of Mogadishu for the first time since the Second World War. He was awarded the OBE for his leadership there. As Brigadier, he was appointed Programme Director of the Collective Training Transformation Programme in Aug 22. John is married to Naomi, a serving Royal Logistic Corps officer. They have three daughters Harriet (22), Rosanna (20) and Araminta (15). He is from the West Country. His interests include kayaking fishing, scuba diving, Bath Rugby, theatre, skiing, cooking, trout fishing, gardening, and pressing and drinking their now award-winning cider.

Abbie Pierce

DSET COO

After serving 15 years in the Royal Navy as a medic, the Defence sector will now benefit from her skills in programme direction, project management, operations, networking and event delivery. Abbie is also firmly situated in the Veterans arena. Offering her time and knowledge to projects that seek to support and enhance the lives of all who leave the Service as they embark on a life after the military. Community Manager for the Trusted eXchange Network (TX-Net), Co-Founder of Leavers Link Virtual Networking and SW Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee Member. She then spends her free time blogging and published a fiction novel during the first pandemic lockdown. Devon is her happy place, always has been. Along with her new miniature schnauzer puppy - Capt Jack 🏴‍☠️

Major General Darren Crook

Director Land Equipment, Defence Equipment & Support

Darren joined the British Army in 1987 as an Army Apprentice. Following an open competition, Darren assumed the role of Director Land Equipment on promotion to Major General in Dec 19 with responsibility for a £1.8B in-year portfolio (£14B over the 10 yrs) including AJAX, Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (Boxer), Challenger 3, TRITON, TYRO and Mobile Fires. As a result of the Integrated Review the Operating Centre delivered Warrior CSP close down whilst also equipping the Army Special Operations Brigade and delivering a range of In-Service and Operational capability to CABRIT and NEWCOMBE. A proud Moonraker, Darren lives near Melksham in Wiltshire with his partner Sheila and his daughter Isabella. A Fellow with both the Institution of Engineering and Technology and theInstitution of Leadership and Management, he enjoys trail running, Alpine Skiing, Telemarking and researching the men of Melksham who served during the Wars. A former Army Crusader, he continues to promote the soldiers’ sport as President of REME Football; this provides some solace from the all-too-often bleak Saturdays spent at the County Ground following the misfortunes ofSwindon Town Football Club

Lt Col Marcel Wassenaar

Head Simulation Centre for Land Operations, The Netherlands

Since July 2021, Lt Col Marcel Wassenaar MA is Head of the Netherlands Simulation Centre for Land Operations. He is an infantry officer with experience in the NLD Army Command and Defense Staff. His previous position was as an exchange officer within the Norwegian Army

Dr Robert Siegfried

Modelling and Simulation Expert

DR. ROBERT SIEGFRIED is Senior Consultant for IT/M&S projects and Managing Director of Aditerna GmbH, a company providing specialized services and consulting in this area. For the German Armed Forces, he has worked on documentation guidelines, model management systems, distributed simulation test beds and process models. Since April 2020 Dr. Siegfried is Chairman of the NATO Modelling and Simulation Group(NMSG). For more than 10 years Robert is an active member of various NMSG working groups and for more than 7 years Robert is leading the NMSG’s “Modelling and Simulation as a Service” (MSaaS) efforts. Dr. Siegfried and his team earned two NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) Scientific Achievement Awards for their efforts on MSaaS. Dr. Siegfried is involved in various simulation-related standardization efforts and is member of the Executive Committee of the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO). He is author of more than 30 scientific papers and serves as track chair or program committee member for widely recognized conferences like the WinterSimulation Conference and the annual NMSG Symposium. He is Guest Editor of theJournal for Defense Modeling and Simulation

Georgina Gilbert

Co-Founder Antarctic Fire Angels

George is co-founder of the Antarctic Fire Angels and Team Leader of the Wales team known asWAFA. She has been a firefighter for 20 years and currently serves with South Wales Fire andRescue service. George is an ambassador for gender equality and has an ambition to see more women striving to do whatever job they want to do in life; always ensuring she is visible as a role model for young women wanting to embark on a career that doesn’t fit society’s stereotypes.

Lt Col Trevor Bowman

Battle Lab, UK

Lieutenant Colonel Trevor (Trev) Bowman is currently serving as SO1 Battlelab. He has had a long association with Innovation, Engineering, training and contract management and is also the Chief Judge for IdeasUK (https://www.ideasuk.com/) a not for profit workplace innovation and engagement company. Trevor joined the Army as a Royal Engineer and subsequently transferred into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He quickly promoted to WO2 and was selected for commissioning. As an officer he has served as a platoon commander, Operations Officer, Company and workshop Second in command, SO2 Personal and professional development and Contracted Equipment Support (Responsible for the Service Provision and Transformation Contract with Babcock DSG). He promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was assigned to be the first SO1 Battlelab. He has an MSc in International Human Resource Management, a Level 5 qualification in operational leadership and management and is an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor. He has also attended courses in Innovation management, contract negotiation and management and management of Risk. He also has a level 4 qualification in teaching.

Rick Smith

Head of Training Solutions, Defence & Land, Babcock International Group

An experienced leader in the Defence Training sector, Rick combines extensive knowledge of the British Army customer and industry emerging technologies to create innovative solutions for Babcock's Defence customers. In his earlier career he spent 15 years in the British Army in frontline operational roles and has also worked on the staff as the UK programme lead for US Army and British Army Interoperability training. During his tenure in industry, he has held a senior leadership role in the construction sector, where he led strategic growth and change initiatives, and has since spent the last 2 years within Babcock's Land Sector, leading a multi-discipline team in the development of transformative training enterprise and experience solutions for the British Army. A keen performance cyclist competing at national level, he has a passion for marginal gains and sports science.

Adelle Adams

SGS&C USA

Adelle has actively contributed to the international Training & Simulation community for nearly 20 years, working on military and government projects for the UK, USA, NATO & Middle East. She has served on several Interservice/ Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) Subcommittees since 2013, including the Serious Games Showcase & Challenge (SGS&C), where she is this year’s Industry Lead. “I’m excited to support the inaugural Serious Games Showcase & Challenge Europe (SGSCE) at DSET this year. I’ve always been passionate about the digital possibilities for training, including the application of serious games. It will be great to shine a light on the amazing innovation & talent in this domain across Europe, as this challenge grows.”

Jim Bennett

VULCAN Project Director, Army HQ, UK

Project Director for Project VULCAN the Army’s future coherent individual and crew synthetic training solution, initially for the BOXER and Challenger 3 platforms but will become the de facto operator training system across future and upgraded armoured vehicles programmes including military engineering, land fires and air defence. An APM & IET member with a Masters in Defence Acquisition Management. Jim has a broad career across Defence Acquisition and the Project Delivery profession over 33 years supporting platforms including Wildcat, Sea King, Merlin and has specialised in delivering operator synthetic training systems for the Royal Navy & British Army since 2014.

Dr Stephen Downes-Martin, Ph.D.

Research Fellow, US Naval War College

Dr. Stephen Downes-Martin is a Research Fellow at the US Naval War College and an independent scholar analyzing the use and abuse of decision support tools at the strategic, operational and tactical levels of warfare and business. His current research focus is how to manipulate decision support tools such as wargaming to deceive decision makers, how decision makers deceive themselves and allow themselves to be deceived, how to detect such manipulation and how to protect decision makers from them. He works with and for a wide variety of government, military, aerospace, academic and commercial organizations in the US and internationally. His formal education includes a PhD in Relativistic Quantum Field Theory from King's College London University, a Masters with Distinction in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US NavalWar College, and a Master of Advanced Studies in Mathematics from Cambridge University.

WO2 Ian Ferguson

Modelling and Simulation QGI, Royal School of Artillery

WO2 Ferguson has an extensive technologies background, working in the IT sector before enlisting in the Army in 2009. He has maintained his understanding of technology throughout his military career, utilising technologies to advance each area he has been employed in. As an avid gamer, WO2 Ferguson owns and runs gaming servers facilitating games such as 7DTD, Conan Exiles, ATLAS. WO2 Ferguson is currently working as the Qualified Gunnery Instructor within the Royal School of Artillery modelling and simulation branch, he is currently a student on the defence modelling and simulation masters degree delivered by Cranfield University and hopes to finish his thesis in 2023.

Dominik Wellman

Managing Director, Fire Service College

Dominik Wellmann joined the Fire Service College in 2020 as Managing Director for the Capita-owned organisation. He has completely transformed the College to secure the financial viability of the organisation into the future. In 2022, the College welcomed over 15,000 learners and delivered over 940 courses for the first time. In September 2021, his role expanded to Managing Director for Capita Fire & Rescue, which delivers the Defence Fire & Rescue Project (DFRP) on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. CFR controls over 1,200 defence firefighters and delivered a £90m investment and transformation programme consisting of a new fleet of vehicles, personal protective equipment (PPE) and training infrastructure. Prior to joining Capita, Dominik held senior roles with Pearson and Serco as well as supporting two start-ups.

Brigadier Phil de Rouffignac MStJ MDS BSc

Commander 2 Medical Brigade, British Army

Brigadier Phil de Rouffignac has served with 5 Field Ambulance; the Army Training Regiment, Lichfield; 22 Field Hospital; OC Role 3 MIMU on Op PALATINE and OC A (29) Medical Squadron, 1 Close Support Medical Regiment. Senior staff training was completed at the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College 2005-2006. Staff roles include SO3 Med Ops/Log in HQ 1 (UK) Armoured Division; SO2 Med Ops/Plans, Op TELIC 1; MA/DGAMS in the Army Medical Directorate; SO2 CSS Ops Coord, HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and SO1 Medical Equipment Capability, Headquarters Surgeon General. On promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in June 2010 he became Chief of Staff, Headquarters 2nd Medical Brigade. As CO of 3 Medical Regiment from November 2011, he commanded on Op HERRICK 17. Col de Rouffignac then assumed Chief of Staff for HQ Director Healthcare Delivery and Training, in the rank of Colonel, in October 2015; Commander Medical, 1st (UK) Division in March 2019 and was DACOS Medical, Permanent Joint Headquarters, from August 2021 to August 2022 prior to assuming command of 2 Medical Brigade on promotion. Brigadier de Rouffignac has a degree in Chemistry from Warwick University and a postgraduate Masters in Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada. He was awarded the Parkes Medical Support Officer Prize in November 2014, became a Member of the Order of St John in April 2016 and was Head of the Medical Support Officer Cadre 2019-2022. Brigadier de Rouffignac is married to Annmarie; they have two children, Larissa (14) and Henry (8); he was a School Governor for their primary school. As a former President and former Chairman of AMS Triathlon, he is a multiple sprint distance and two-time Ironman finisher despite both children being far better swimmers than he is.

Nick Brown

Head of Defence, Hadean

Nick Brown is Hadean’s Head of Defence. He joined in January 2022 from NSC/QinetiQ where he delivered synthetic training programmes to the British Army. He was an Army Officer for 18 years and served in multiple theatres as a platoon commander, staff officer and experimentation group Chief of Staff.

Dr Ornella Schavemaker-Piva

Assistant Professor, University of applied sciences of Rotterdam

Assistant Professor, University of applied sciences of Rotterdam

Bharat Patel

Chair NATO Modelling and Simulation Group

Bharat Patel is a Chief and a Fellow for Transformative Technologies within the Exploration Division of the UK MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. He leads on transformative technologies that drive future and disruptive developments in simulation systems, synthetic environments, digital conceptualisation and experimentation. He specialises in their exploitation in multi-domain training and exercising, operational decision support and C2 systems, autonomy/AI and Space systems, digital twins and capability assurance. He was awarded with the 2021 Individual NATO Scientific Excellence Award for Modelling and Simulation by NATO’s Chief Scientist. He took over the Chair of NATO Modelling and Simulation Group (NMSG) in May 2023 for the next two years. He is also the UK’s Principal Member for NATO’s Systems Concepts and Integration Panel. His favourite past-time is being young again with his two grandchildren.

Tim Harcourt

SO2 Engagement STEM and Esports

SO2 Engagement STEM and Esports

DSET 2023 Main Conference Session Chair

DSET 2023 Main Conference Session Chair

DSET 2023 Main Conference Session Chair

DSET 2023 Wargaming Session Chair

DSET 2023 Wargaming Session Chair

2023 Wargaming Session Chair

Clint Warren-Davey

Wargame Designer and Teacher

I'm a history teacher from Australia and I design wargames (board games, not digital) for commercial and educational use. I am new to this industry but working on 3 different designs: -Werwolf: Insurgency in Occupied Germany, 1945-48 -Division Commander: 101st Airborne -Gallipoli: Ordered to Die

Brad Spearing

Ternion

Ternion CEO

Denise Hendrix

ternion.com Representative

Ternion