Tess Butler

DSET CEO

Tess has worked in Military Simulation, Training, and Education for 20 years. A graduate of Russian & Soviet Studies, she first worked with the Royal Navy before becoming a fixture at a tank-park for a year trying to work out which media would enhance the training of arc-welding the bits of FV432s and her beloved motorbike. After a decade of trying to crack the code of MoD Requirements Documents as a Bid Manager and Business Development experiment, she became head of Joint Capability Business Development at CAE UK and worked on the central strategy board. 5 more years of working with more than 25 different militaries set her up nicely for a sojourn to the deserts of the Middle East where she worked independently as a Military Consultant to industry. Tess headed back to the UK with 15 years of Military Training and Simulation (MS&T) experience to make posh jam… A year later she was hired as PR Director of Bohemia Interactive Simulations. 2015 led to expansion of the Ruddy Nice client base and the setting up of DSET. Running awesome and relevant events for the military, industry and academia in MS&T are her ongoing passions. Tess’ hobbies include extreme basket weaving, running after an ever-active child and reading the small print on websites.

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.

Colonel Colin Thomas VR

Assistant Head: Transition, Land Warfare Centre

Colonel Thomas joined the then Territorial Army (TA) in 1995 and successfully completed his commissioning course in 1997. His first appointments included 168 Pioneer Regiment RLC and Officer Commanding a specialist training team for all RLC Reserve potential Officers. In 2005 he promoted to Major and became Officer Commanding 270 Transport Squadron, followed by a posting to the Land Warfare Centre, Warminster, Reserve Directing Staff in the Junior Officers Tactics Division. As the senior Reserve Officer, it was his role to coordinate all Reserve aspects including policy direction and course rewrites. In 2009 he deployed on Operation HERRICK in Afghanistan, serving at both Formation and Unit levels. Initially working across the staff branches of Regional Command (South) on the integration of Information Operations in a multi-national force, then working at Unit level on the planning and execution of UK Combat Logistic Patrols in the Helmand Province. Promoting to Lieutenant Colonel in 2011 he took command of 165 Port Regiment RLC. Under Command the Regiment merged with two other major units to create 165 Port & Maritime Regiment – the largest RLC Reserve Unit. Following Command Lt Col Thomas joined the Army Reserve Development Programme, the organisation tasked to deliver the Reserve component of Army 2020. Promoted to Colonel in 2019, he currently serves as the Assistant Head (Transition) for the Land Warfare Centre. Here he oversees the delivery of new training capabilities and services that ensure the Army’s Collective Training Estate is both dynamic and representative of a complex operating environment. Originally from Llanelli, South Wales, Colonel Thomas now lives in the small village of Galhampton, Somerset along with his wife Sandy and daughter Holly. He was a secondary school teacher and Head of Design Technology at a large Academy prior to undertaking Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS). His interests include cycling, both on and off road, fly fishing and game shooting.

Miss George Gilbert

Fire Fighter and Polar Expeditioner, Antarctic Fire Angels and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

A fire fighter for nearly 26 years and now also a polar expeditioner having recently, in 2023 - 24' skied 1230km to the South Pole unguided and unsupported. George is a true believer in its never too late to explore and challenge not only our own boundaries but also gender norms and stereotypes that todays social norms impose upon us.

Lieutenant Colonel Max Garrety MBE

SO1 Joint Aviation Command J7 Simulation, HQ Joint Aviation Command

Lt Col Max Garrety MBE has led a varied military-career to date: he originally joined the Queen’s Own Highlanders TA, in Oct 85 in his final year at school, as an officer cadet before passing selection for RAF Pilot and joining the RAF in 1987. Post commissioning, he undertook RAF pilot training and was subsequently re-roled to the navigator stream; this led to a posting to the Air Defence environment with a few hours on the F4 and then onto the Tornado F3. Unfortunately, a loss of medical category led to grounding and leaving the RAF in 1993. During a degree in Agriculture and Rural Estate Management, he was commissioned into the Yeomanry (Reserve Cavalry) serving as a troop leader and squadron 2IC; this led to an opportunity for service with the Queen’s Royal Lancers in Germany and the UK until 2004. Sub-unit command followed back in the Yeomanry up to 2006, whilst holding down a demanding civilian role with Knight Frank as a professional-valuation chartered-surveyor. Garrety undertook FTRS in 2009 with the Army Recruiting and Training Division (ARTD) as SO2 Trg Ops in which he undertook a full review of the Reserve officer and soldier phase 1 and 2 training pipelines leading to ARTD taking ownership through RMAS and ITG respectively. Throughout this time, he undertook an MSc in International Security through Cranfield University, in which the thesis developed a model of anti-piracy measures in the world of maritime security. Promotion to SO1 in 2012, kept Garrety in ARTD whereupon he undertook requirement-setting, test and acceptance, COS and DCOS of Recruiting Group and the Recruit Partnering Project; a role which endured for 4½ years, before boarding for a role in commercial oversight of Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre in Dec 16. This heavily utilised the commercial, estate management and project management skills acquired in previous roles. As a result, he was awarded an MBE in the final Queen’s Birthday Honours List. The need for a new challenge in an interesting field has led him to Joint Helicopter Command, back in aviation and looking after all aspects of simulation. Lt Col Garrety is married with two teenage boys, neither of whom has any desire to replicate their father’s most unorthodox career. Hobbies include cycling, sailing, oil painting and military history.

Major General Chris Barry CBE

Director Land Warfare, British Army

Major General Chris Barry grew up in Cambridge and was commissioned into the Royal Anglian Regiment, later transferring to The Royal Welsh on command. He completed 15 years at Regimental duty as well as time on the staff of a Bde and a Corps, serving in the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Germany, and the Falkland Islands and on repeated operations in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan as well as Iraq and the Yemen. On the General Staff, he has served as Assistant Head of the Army 2020 Programme, Chief of Staff of the Army Recruiting and Training Division, Chief of Staff of the Land Warfare Centre and Commander of the Collective Training Group. Major General Barry is a graduate of both the Joint Advanced Command and Staff Course (Australia) and the Royal College of Defence Studies and was appointed OBE in 2014 and CBE in 2021. Married to Gael they have two children. His interests include European literature and history. He is the Vice President of Army Boxing and the Colonel of the Regiment, The Royal Welsh. Major General Barry was appointed Director Land Warfare in December 2021.

WO1 Kelly Caswell-Treen

Army Inspectorate Sergeant Major, British Army

WO1 Caswell-Treen was born in Burton Upon Trent, was educated at Thomas Alleyne’s High School and studied Business Leadership and Management at Portsmouth University. WO1 Caswell-Treen successfully enlisted into the Royal Army Medical Corps in 2003 and served in various junior appointments at 5 General Service Medical Regiment. She served as a Combat Medical Technician on Op Telic 5, 8 and Op Herrick 7 providing first line battlefield medical care throughout Basra and Helmand provinces. As a Junior and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, she then served at the Army Training Centre Pirbright as a Section Commander and Platoon Sergeant Instructor, delivering the Common Military Syllabus to potential recruits. WO1 Caswell-Treen completed Instructor selection at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where she would coach, mentor and shape British officers of the future. On assignment from the Academy, WO1 Caswell-Treen moved to 4 Armoured Medical Regiment and assumed post as the Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant for Support Squadron. She was successfully selected for promotion and was appointed as Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant (Technical). In January 2019 WO1 Caswell-Treen was appointed the first female Company Sergeant Major at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst assuming command and control of The Falklands Company as the Company Sergeant Major. This would see her leave this prestigious post on successful promotion to Warrant Officer Class 1. In March 2020 WO1 Caswell-Treen was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major at 22 Field Hospital providing excellent worldwide Deployed Hospital Care in support of the Army and UK Defence. In April 2022, WO1 Caswell-Treen was appointed the Army Inspectorate Sergeant Major. She delivers an independent view of assurance across all Army activity focussing on areas that present a risk to life, capability, or reputation. This is to provide CGS and ECAB with evidence that internal controls are effective, have been evaluated and action is in progress to improve. WO1 Caswell-Treen has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Business Leadership and Management with First Class from Portsmouth University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Practice Development: Defence Medical Leadership from the University of Cumbria. WO1 Caswell-Treen is married to Gemma, has one daughter, Emelia-Florence (7); she manages and coaches Amesbury’s ‘The Chipmunks’ under eight’s football team. WO1 Caswell-Treen enjoys competitive triathlon at multiple sprint distances and is a one-time IRONMAN 70.3 finisher.

Elçin Ada Sayin

Fight Club Türkiye Chapter Co-Lead

Ada is a Strasbourg University law graduate with deep roots in defense and wargaming. She led the Women in Command Project, designing the Hybrid Threat Rising game, a pioneering effort in addressing hybrid threats and promoting women's leadership in defense, earning the International Serious Play Awards’ Golden Medal and the 2022 MS&T Awards. Ada has significantly contributed to the defense sector, including leading the design of the Humanity in Crisis Module, winning the Women in STEM award by Women in Defence UK in 2022, and guiding global tech firms in counter-terrorism efforts through the Global Internet Forum. Currently, she heads the Leader Women Community, fostering young women's careers in defense, co-leads Fight Club Türkiye, and contributes as a researcher to NATO STO’s SAS-172 on Multi-Domain Operations Wargame, soon chairing the task group on integrating Generation Z+ into Defense Organizations within NATO STO SAS Panel.

Mark Lillelund Joergensen

Wargamer, Royal Danish Defence College

Graduated with a Master's Degree in History and Social Studies from the University of Copenhagen in April 2020. Started an internship at the Center for Maritime Operations - Royal Danish Defence College, in Feb. 2021. Followed up the internship with a 1-year contract in Aug. 21, and then onto a permanent position in Aug. 22.

MSc. Ornella Schavemaker-Piva

Assistant Professor, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Ornella Schavemaker-Piva is an assistant professor at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences who teaches a.o. programming, modelling & simulation, and robotics to Computer Engineering students. After her master's study in Electronic Engineering at Universitá di Ferrara (Italy) and TU Delft (The Netherlands) she worked as a software engineer and system architect in many fields of operations such as defence, traffic and embedded, specializing in simulation software and training at TNO Defence, Safety and Security. Working on different projects for the Dutch Army and Dutch Airforce, and for the Italian Armed Forces. In the last years of her career, she decided to transfer her knowledge to young people and help them become young professionals in the field of Computer Engineering. Within the faculty, she develops new courses in the fields of programming and Modelling & Simulation, is a member of the curriculum committee, and coordinates students’ internships. She is also active as a researcher in the field of simulation and immersive technologies. Ornella’s hobbies include gemstone cutting, jewellery making, wood turning, and practicing martial arts, she has a black belt in Tang Soo Do.

Gp Capt Ruari Henderson-Begg

Chief Modelling and Simulation Officer, HQ Air Command

Gp Capt Ruari Henderson-Begg is the RAF’s Chief Modelling and Simulation Officer, responsible for developing a strategy for the use of Modelling and Simulation across the Air environment and developing a coherent Modelling and Simulation Ecosystem to deliver this strategy. Ruari takes on this role after 5 years as the Programme Manager for Gladiator – the RAF’s Distributed Synthetic Training system, which entered Service in Jan 23 – and aims to use his experience to enhance interoperability and effective use of data across the RAF’s suite of Modelling and Simulation capabilities, as well as working with Service and industry colleagues to support the development of Defence’s Modelling and Simulation enterprise.

Lt Col James de StJohn-Pryce

Commanding Officer, Armoured Trials and Development Unit

With a passion for the role and challenges of reconnaissance, Lieutenant Colonel James de St John-Pryce commissioned into the Household Cavalry. He completed tours of Bosnia and two of Iraq as a junior officer. At PJHQ, he was the J3 Joint Effects desk officer and MA to the Assistant Chief of Staff J3 (Operations). He commanded C Squadron HCR in preparation for a tour of Afghanistan on Scimitar 2. He has been the Syria desk officer in Military Strategic Effects, Plans Officer for the European Training Mission in Mogadishu and Requirements Manager on the AJAX programme. Most recently he has been the Household Cavalry Second in Command and the J3/Operations and Africa Team Leader for the Joint Force Headquarters on global crisis response. Foremost are his passion for flying (fixed winged aircraft), speed riding (skiing with a very small parachute) and reforming the Army's least useful anachronisms. He assumed command of the Armoured Trials and Development Unit in August 2021.

Senior Executive Service Member Lea Kirkwood

Program Executive Officer and Director, Agile Combat Support Directorate, USA

Ms. Lea T. Kirkwood, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Program Executive Officer and Director for the Agile Combat Support Directorate at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. She leads more than 1,600 military and civilian personnel responsible for executing $8.2 billion annually in Air Force Funds. The directorate’s six divisions, located primarily at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Robins Air Force Base, and Heath OH, provide materiel solutions and acquisition life cycle management for simulators, support equipment and vehicles, electronic warfare and avionics, human systems, automatic test systems, and metrology and calibration to meet Air Force operational needs. Ms. Kirkwood served 29 years as an active duty Air Force officer. As an acquisition program manager, she managed space, command and control, mission planning, automatic test systems, and early warning and control programs for United States and NATO operations, as well as foreign military sales. She led international relations at the Pentagon, in Hungary, and in the United Kingdom. She commanded the 422d Air Base Squadron, Royal Air Force Croughton, United Kingdom, and served as Deputy Commander, 78th Mission Support Group, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia; Deputy Commander, 451st Expeditionary Mission Support Group, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan; and Vice Commander, 72d Air Base Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. She deployed in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, and for the NATO-led RESOLUTE SUPPORT Mission. Ms. Kirkwood entered federal civil service in January 2022 as the Program Executive Officer and Director for the Agile Combat Support Directorate of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

Col Charles M. Seaberry

Director, AFC International –Atlantic

COL Seaberry serves as the Director of Army Futures Command International-Atlantic overseeing a globally-reaching organization spanning Europe, Africa, and the Middle East committed to advancing military capabilities and collaborative efforts in research and development. AFC International-Atlantic identifies foreign technology for seamless integration into Army Research and Development centers, ensuring the Army maintains its innovation edge. By aligning Army initiatives with key agencies such as OSD, USAF, and USN, COL Seaberry maximizes investments to enhance future combat capabilities. AFC International-Atlantic actively supports EUCOM, AFRICOM, and USAREUR-AF in shaping strategic S&T engagement plans to fortify the Army's global presence. Serving as the Army's S&T lead to NATO, COL Seaberry champions interoperability and modernization priorities and fostering collaborative R&D partnerships with foreign stakeholders. AFC International-Atlantic remains at the forefront of innovation and international collaboration, contributing significantly to national security.

Mr Scott Steedman CBE FREng

Director-General, Standards. British Standards Institution

Scott Steedman CBE is Director-General, Standards of the British Standards Institution (BSI), responsible for BSI’s appointment as the National Standards Body (NSB) and UK membership of the international standards system, and for BSI’s relations with counterparts around the world. His career has spanned academia, consulting and standards and he has held senior and non-executive roles in industry, research and innovation and professional bodies. He is on the Boards of the International Standards Organisation (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and is a former Vice-President of ISO, CEN, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Lt Charlie Bradbury

Deloitte / Army Reserve

Charlie is a Venture Strategist at Monitor Deloitte working in the Defence and Security sectors. He is also an Army Reserve infantry officer and guest lecturer at Lancaster University Security Institute.

Major Steve Bee

SO1 Capability Integration, Land Warfare Centre / Field Army

Maj Steve Bee commissioned into the Royal Tank Regiment in 2009. Since then he has completed operational tours in Afghanistan, Estonia and Syria facing operations. In 2017 he was selected to attend the Battle Space Technology course at Cranfield University before working as a DE&S Requirements Manager in Simulation. Upon completing command of a main battle tank sub unit was appointed as the principal Major planning the Field Army's combat ready exercises and latterly has been selected to take on the role as the SO1 Capability Integration which has seen him seconded to Field Army HQ to deliver the Modernisation Implementation Plan (MIP). In this role is responsible for writing the plan to cohere the largest modernisation programme the British Army has ever undertaken (£45 billion pounds across 34 major programmes) at a critical juncture in their 'decade of delivery'. It is this critical role and the challenges he has faced he will talk about at DSET 2024.

Lt Col Ant Sharman

Director, Evocatus Consulting Ltd

Having spent formative years in the army running the very biggest exercises, Ant left to set up Evocatus in 2016, running wargames and exercises for both defence and private sector customers. In his "spare" time, he commands the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, the UK's only reserve Armoured Regiment.

Professor Peter Roberts

Researcher, Author and Occasional Podcaster

Peter Roberts is a researcher, author and occasional podcaster. Often described as a technology-heretic, he has seen the majority of wargames, M+S played and used to prove points rather than for genuine learning and growth. A self-acknowledged cynic when it comes to technological determinism, Peter is not popular for his evidenced-based research. Previously, he served in the military for 20+ years, earned his PhD in politics and history and then worked at RUSI for nearly a decade as Director of Military Sciences, as well as Professor of War at the Ecole de Guerre in Paris. He is currently working for a variety of organisations (NATO, Indo-PacCom, The Alphen Group, and various national governments), and with the University of Exeter. Peter’s last book Wars Changed Landscape? was published in 2023. His next one, The Western Way of War, is due for release in Summer 2024.

Sub Lt Luke Brannigan

Naval Warfare Officer - Wargaming Advisor, HMCS Venture - Royal Canadian Navy

SLt Luke Brannigan has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 12 years, with the last 7 as a Naval Warfare Officer. He is currently an instructor at the Royal Canadian Navy’s officer school, HMCS Venture where he has helped develop and implement the use of educational wargaming in junior NWO training.

Dr John Curry

Senior Lecturer, Bath Spa University

In the hobby space, he was Donald Featherstone’s editor; in the professional space, he is the co-author/ editor for many key figures including Dr Peter Perla, Graham Longley Brown, Dr Ed McGrady, Tim Price, Dr Paddy Griffith etc. He has published 25 books on professional wargaming, including the seminal works on Matrix Gaming, Confrontation Analysis and Graham Longley Brown’s work Successful Professional Wargames. He also co-authored the first two books on cyber wargaming. He is the co-editor of the MORS Wargaming Journal. He regularly presents at MORS wargaming events in Washington, the DSET conference (Bristol UK), Connections UK conference (RMAS), and Connections Oz. He is on the DSET organising committee. He has presented at the Defence Academy of the UK and the Defence Academy of Australia. He currently supervises 4 PhDs in wargaming-related areas (including COIN, Urban and tank combat). He is an ex-infantry officer.

LTZ2 Michiel F. Bon (KMR)

Deputy Head Expertise Center Modelling & Simulation, Netherlands Army, Dutch Ministry of Defence

With extensive experience as a commercial Project manager, I transitioned to the role of Project manager for the MoD. Later, I dedicated over 8 years to Intelligence, overseeing Education & Training for a Special Organization Unit. Subsequently, I served as Deputy head of the Expertise Center Modelling & Simulation(M&S) for the Netherlands Army, specializing in strategic advice and leading impactful projects. Also actively participating as an operational expert in NATO initiatives to enhance M&S capability. Additionally, my role as Reserve Lieutenant (OF1) in the Netherlands Marine Corps, focusing on intelligence and amphibious warfare, offers valuable practical insights gained from deployments and participation in significant NATO exercises.

Mr Kevin Williamson

Executive Director, Near Peer Simulations

Served in the US Army and US Naval Reserves, background in Logistics and weapons maintenance. Currently employed by Matrix Pro Sims as a contractor to support Marine Corps University's wargaming department as a Wargame Subject Matter Expert. Apart from my day job, I am a current Board Member of USA Fight Club, Executive Director of a Non-Profit Wargaming Organization Near Peer Simulations, and currently serves on ITSEC's NTSA Next Big Thing Committee where I provide contributions geared towards Generative AI and Large Language Models.

Miss Hannah Smith

Deputy Head of Technical Authority and Joint SCTA, DMSO UK

Hannah joined the civil service in 2017. Recently, she worked for the Collective Training Transformation Programme where she was involved with projects including Roundless TES, ICAVS(D) and DVS2. Hannah 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 its technical team and has since become the TA Deputy Head. Hannah leads the DMSO technical support team who aim to provide impartial advice and modelling and simulation support across defence, promoting interoperability, reuse, and value for money. She is responsible for assessing and assuring both Joint and Defence-wide M&S programmes for compliance with policy. Hannah is also studying for her MSc in Defence Modelling and Simulation.

Mr Louis Jeffries

Junior Analyst, Wargaming and OA Team, QinetiQ Training and Simulation Ltd

Louis Jeffries is a Junior Analyst within the Wargaming and OA team at QinetiQ Training and Simulation Limited. A keen and analytical thinker, with a passion for problem-solving and making sense of complexity, Louis has considerable experience in designing, facilitating and analysing both analytical and training-focussed wargames. Louis has assisted the development of wargaming and analytical training to promote best practise in the industry, and is passionate about supporting others to engage with the sector, sitting on the Connections: Next Generation and DSET Defence Futures panels. He also provides board-level assistance to Imaginetic, a Canadian-based wargames consultancy.

Dr Steven Wagner

Senior Lecturer in International Security, Brunel University London

I am an historian of intelligence, security, empire and the modern Middle East. Before coming to Brunel, I was a SSHRC postdoctoral fellow in the Department of History and Classical Studies at McGill University, Montreal. I received my DPhil from the University of Oxford, and my BA and MA from the University of Calgary. Since 2007, I have been looking at records declassified records in the UK, USA, and Israel which shed new light on the story of the Palestine Mandate, but also on the previously unknown role of intelligence in countering terrorism & insurgency, and in shaping British policy.

Dr Iain Farquharson

Lecturer in Global Challenges – Security Pathway Lead, Brunel University London

I completed my PhD in Military History at Brunel in 2021. Prior to this I completed an MA in History at the University of Exeter in 2010 and my BA (hons.) in History at Brunel in 2009. My research examines the reform of officer education in the British Army between 1919 and 1939. I am also an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Between 2018-2020 and 2021-22, I taught as an adjunct lecturer on Brunel's BA International History and BA Military and International History courses. From October 2021 I taught the Security Pathway on the BASc Global Challenges course, before becoming the Pathway Lead from September 2022.

Capt Eugene Morgan RN

Assistant Head Defence Wargaming, UK Strategic Command

Captain Eugene Morgan RN – UK Strategic Command Assistant Head Wargaming – A reservist serving full time within UK Strategic Command Joint Warfare and leading on the task of developing defence wargaming capacity and capability. Eugene is a Naval Reserve Warfare Officer with wide operational experience from tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Cabinet Office during COVID-19. He also has an extensive background in the defence and international development sectors mostly focusing on small to medium start-up businesses.

Lt Cdr Michael Quinn RN

Requirements Manager (TMSM)

Royal Navy Submarine Training Centre Project Team, Future Training Projects – P&T Directorate

Professor Richard Teeuw

Professor of Geoinformatics and Disaster Risk Reduction, University of Portsmouth

Biography I am a geomorphologist and remote sensing scientist, specialising in low-cost applications for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). I developed and manage the MSc in Crisis and Disaster Management at the University of Portsmouth, working with practitioners to develop our SimEx disaster response simulation exercise, which is now one of the largest annual exercises in the world. After gaining a BSc in Geology & Geography at Nottingham University, my career started at Stirling University with PhD research examining the geomorphology of the Sierra Leone diamondfields. I have extensive experience of using geomorphology and remote sensing to map geohazards and natural resources, consulting for BP Minerals International, Rio Tinto, Pioneer Goldfields, Golden Star Resources, NorWest Resources and Adam Smith International, as well as the Environment Agency in the UK and the overseas development agencies of Britain (DfID), Canada (CIDA), Germany (GTZ) and Japan (JICA). Recently I have been working on projects involving the UK Satellite Applications Catapult: applying remote sensing to deection of illicit gold mining in Collombia and climate change adaptation applications for small island states, in conjunction with the United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR). Research interests My interests focus on low-cost uses of remote sensing for assessing hazards, vulnerability and risk, as well as geoinformatic capacity building in low-income countries and risk perception studies. My research includes industry-funded projects, from mapping of urban flood vulnerability, to satellite remote sensing of oil pollution in the Niger Delta. Recent projects funded by the ESRC and UKSA IPP use satellite remote sensing to detect and monitor illegal gold mining in the rainforests of Colombia. I led a NERC-funded team surveying impacts of Hurricane Maria in Dominica, using satellite data, drone photography and GIS for a forensic geomorphological analysis of destroyed infrastructure and fatality locations. I'm currently the Risk Science theme leader of the UK Space Agency IPP-funded CommonSensing project, using satellite imagery for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction applications in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Mr Richard Gordon MBE

Director Disaster Management Centre, Bournemouth University

Richard Gordon has been the Director of Bournemouth University's Disaster Management Centre since 2003 having previously served in the Armed Forces for sixteen years. He has worked in over 26 countries around the world focusing on the resilience and response capabilities of National Government Ministries and Agencies, Armed Forces and Emergency Services, National Public Health Agencies and International Humanitarian Organisations, as well as the Private Sector. Richard and his team provide a fused approach to crisis and disaster management which includes Professional Practice (multi-agency training and development), an MSc in Disaster Management (delivered both in the UK and overseas) and a series of cutting-edge research agendas. A key aspect of this combined approach includes the development and delivery of realistic simulation exercises that bring together multiple stakeholders to develop their shared situational awareness, joint decision-making, and strategic communication. Richard regularly works with UK and overseas military personnel to develop multi-agency training and simulation events.

Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service

Neil has worked in the British Fire and Rescue Service since 1991 and has served in three Services becoming Chief Fire Officer of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in January 2018. Neil has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southampton and is a member of the Institute of Directors and a Graduate member of the Institution of Fire Engineers. Neil is the UK National Fire Chief’s Council lead for international development and learning from Fire Services across the world. Neil is Chairman of the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) which brings together the UK’s rescue services to develop their skills and improve rescue standards. Neil is also a Trustee of the Blue Lamp Trust which was established to promote and enhance community safety across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Most recently Neil has chaired the Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ensuring the effective multi-agency response to COVID-19. He also chaired the UK National Fire Chief’s Council Chairman for the Prevention Committee, supporting Fire Services across the nation to prevent fires and other emergencies. Neil was awarded a Queens Fire Service Medal (QFSM) in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday honours.

Prof. David Manley, RCNC

Professor of Naval Architecture, University College London

I am the current MOD Professor of Naval Architecture at University College London, and Course Director for the naval architecture MSc and the Submarine Design And Acquisition Course. I am the MOD Deputy Technical Discipline Lead of Naval Architecture MOD, Senior Fellow for Maritime Vulnerability Reduction, and Head of Specialism for Platform Survivability. In this role I support the UK’s maritime enterprise in ship and submarine survivability, with involvement and engagement in all naval ship, submarine and weapon projects. My previous experience includes over 30 years working in UK naval safety and survivability, driving the development of the UK’s maritime survivability strategy, combat safety and naval mission modularity, as well as supporting survivability development through a wide range of international research groups and defence fora. I am a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and a Constructor Captain in the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors.

Rich Lloyd

Director, Blueflame Digital

"We're passionate about applying the power of game technology to make the world a better place." SGSCE 2024 Champion with their game Chomp Chomp - The dental training app that makes studying easier with game-based learning. A great example of applying game technology to boost traditional learning. The more you play the more you learn! Through our pilot we saw over 94% of learners were motivated to push through levels they first failed at. 72% felt there was an increase of knowledge and 70% felt an increase in speed. Find out more at: https://chomp.fun Chomp is developed by Blueflame Digital which has 25+ years of experience developing serious games and interactive experiences for mobile, PC, diving experiences, Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality, and a lot more… !

Brigadier Caroline Woodbridge-Lewin MBE

Commandant Defence College of Technical Training

Brigadier Woodbridge-Lewin was commissioned into the Royal Signals in 1995. Whilst serving, she has secured a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Systems Engineering and a Masters in Information Management and Technology (IMT) through Cranfield University and the Royal Military College of Science. She has held various Regimental appointments while serving in the United Kingdom, USA, Cyprus, Germany, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. She has attended the Joint Services Command and Staff College on the Intermediate, Advanced, and more recently the Higher Command and Staff Courses, and has served as a Directing Staff at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the Defence Academy. At staff, she has worked with a Defence Special Customer as a Capability and Acquisition advisor. She has also brought her expertise into Home Command delivering personnel, welfare and casualty services, within the Army Information Directorate as part of the A2020 review team and as Chief of Staff of the Defence Academy. She commanded 2 Signal Regiment from 2016 to 2018 and was awarded the MBE in 2017. In 2020, she assumed the role of Head Information Warfare Group. In 2022, she completed a secondment as the Defence Strategic Liaison Officer to the Home Office and other Government Departments before returning to the Defence Academy to lead and develop the Defence Cyber Academy. She took command of the Defence College of Technical Training as Commandant on promotion in April 2023. Outside of work, Brigadier Woodbridge-Lewin enjoys playing and coaching hockey, running and spending time with her two daughters, Sophie and Amelie, and walking her Labrador Luna.

Elizabeth M. H. Newbury, PhD

Director, Serious Games Initiative, The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Dr. Elizabeth M H Newbury is a leading expert in the use of games in engaging the public around policy research. She leverages games as a tool for the public communication of science and policy research, pursuing how public policy and science can come together in an interactive platform to increase public dialogue and engagement around timely and critical issues of today. Her portfolio includes games around the U.S. federal budget, artificial intelligence, and environmental policy. Newbury also is chair of the U.S. Federal Games Guild, an informal community of practice across federal agencies interested in supporting the broader community of games being used for good. She holds a B.A. in anthropology from Bryn Mawr College, and a Master and PhD from the Department of Communication at Cornell University.

Brigadier Kirsten J Dagless OBE

Head Talent, Skills, Learning and Development, Ministry of Defence

Brigadier Kirsten Dagless has spent much of her Army career working in the Personnel Policy, Training, Education and Workforce Planning environment. A highlight was in 2018 when she was assigned as Assistant Head Professional Development, Personnel Policy (Army) in Army HQ. Programme lead for the Army’s Physical Employment Standards, the Army Leadership Development Programme, Army Trainer Capability and Women into Ground Close Combat, she was appointed OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List 2022 for her contribution to female talent development. Brigadier Dagless became Assistant Director Training Operations, HQ Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command in August 2021 where she was responsible for modernisation of soldier Basic Training. Brigadier Dagless returned to the Ministry of Defence in April 2023, where she is currently employed as Head Talent, Skills, Learning and Development.

LTC Jiri Novotny

DE&T Branch Chief, Modelling & Simulation Centre of Excellence

LTC Jiri Novotny has served in the Czech Army since 1991. He began his career in signal units and, subsequently, graduated from the Military Academy in Brno specializing in Special Communication Systems in 2001. After his studies, he served as the Chief of the Communication and Information Systems Group of the 73rd Tank Battalion. Since 2010, he has served as an IT specialist, later Chief of the Department of Technical Assistance and finally as the Deputy Commander at the Centre Simulation and Training Technologies (CSTT) in Brno. At CSTT, LTC Novotny led the team preparing Computer Assisted Exercises (CAX) for the Czech ground force battalions and brigades, but also other security forces, municipalities and foreign Military Task Groups. He also served as the Deputy Director of Staff of HQ RS in Afghanistan in 2018. Currently, LTC Novotny is assigned as the Doctrine, Education and Training Branch Chief at the NATO M&S COE. He is responsible for M&S course design, development, implementation and evaluation within the NATO Global Programming. He is also the lead organizer of the NATO CA2X2 Forum and MESAS Conference.

Wim Huiskamp, MSc

Chief Scientist Modelling & Simulation + Scientific Advisor, NATO MSG liaison to SISO

Wim HUISKAMP is Chief Scientist Modelling & Simulation in the M&S department at TNO Defence Research in the Netherlands. He leads national research programs on M&S on behalf of Dutch MoD. Wim is a member of the NATO Modelling & Simulation Group (NMSG) and served as NMSG Chairman (2013-2016) and before as Chairman of the NMSG M&S Standards Subgroup (MS3). His current role is Scientific Advisor to NMSG. Wim is liaison of the NMSG to the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization SISO.

Professor Sam Vine

Professor of Psychology, University of Exeter

My research aims to understand the psychology of human performance and learning, using technology (eye tracking, psychophysiological measurement, virtual reality). I aim to understand the psychophysiology of performing complex cognitive and motor skills, and to test training solutions and interventions that might improve performance, health or well-being. I apply my research to a range of different domains (e.g., sport, surgery, military, and aviation) and populations (e.g., children, elite performers and patient groups).

Billy Dale

Product Manager, Skyral Mirror

Billy Dale is the Product Manager for Skyral Mirror, and is responsible for the strategy, development and execution of Skyral's digital twin technologies. He leads the product for Skyral's Defence & Government and Enterprise sectors, leveraging extensive expertise in modelling and simulation. With a robust background in the energy sector and fleet telematics, he has seen the roll-out of IoT and big-data solutions to enhance operational efficiencies and propel organisations and end-users towards net-zero objectives.

Dr Luke Selzer

Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Skyral

Technology leader at Skyral, supporting the exploitation of large-scale modelling and simulation in the defence sector.

Jason Kennedy

CEO and Director, Skyral

Jason is a passionate Technology Executive that believes in unlocking human potential through the right combination of technology and services. Jason has a deep technical background in building and delivering $Bns in diverse solutions across flight-critical systems, national resilience applications, and defence solutions within US, UK, NATO, and their allies.

Robert Siegfried

Managing Director, Aditerna

Robert is senior consultant for Modelling and Simulation (M&S) projects and professional data management solutions. He is the CEO of Aditerna, a Munich-based small business with an office in Virginia Beach, USA that serves customers around the globe to improve their digital operations.

Mr Grant Bailey

DMSO Technical Authority, NATO MSG

Grant joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an Engineering Technician for Synthetic Training in May 1981. Following on from a considerable amount of specialist training, he served primarily developing and maintaining the C130K and Harrier GR7 Flight Simulators culminating as an expert in virtual terrains and 3D modelling. Following 15 years of service immediately following the above, Grant joined the MoD in 1996 continuing to lead the team that created virtual terrains for the Harrier GR7 simulator. From there he strayed into the world of IT getting into network, database and application support before returning to the world of simulation in 2005. Grant has been a leading member of the Defence Modelling and Simulation Office (DMSO) Technical Authority for the past 12 years that aims to provide pan Defence M&S Value for Money through coherence delivered via a focus on interoperability and reuse. This coherence results in working with the Front Line Commands, Industry, Other Government Departments and Allies. With over 31 years of experience in his chosen field, Grant now holds a MSc in Defence Simulation & Modelling. He has chaired both the NATO Modelling & Simulation Standards Subgroup (MS3) and the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) Standards Activity Committee (SAC). He now sits on the SISO Executive Committee (EXCOM).

Sam Cullimore

IT Security & Serious Games Lead, Ruddy Nice Ltd

IT & Security Technician at Ruddy Nice Ltd - Technical Lead for Serious Games Showcase and Challenge Europe - SGSCE

William Burnett-Boothroyd

Matrix Pro Sims

William is a recent entrant in the world of defence and wargaming. As the Commercial Officer for Matrix Pro Sims he is a collaborative force with organisations like DSTL, USMC, and STRATCOM in their wargaming efforts. William brings youthful and novel ideas to the wargaming landscape. A lifelong wargamer, William joined groups such as Fight Club International where he assists in running weekly online wargames utilising various digital games to stimulate discussion and learning to an audience with a wide variety of experience and backgrounds. Being a graduate of contemporary military history at the University of Salford, William led efforts to bring educational wargaming to students and staff alike. In addition to individual accomplishments, as a member of the DSET NextGen committee William is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of wargaming talent, actively involved in helping develop university and college leavers into rewarding defence and wargaming careers.

Rosie Lawrence

Mechanical / Structural Aircraft Fitter, Raytheon UK

Rosie is a Mechanical / Structural Aircraft Fitter at Raytheon UK, based in Broughton North Wales. Her role consists of modifying and maintaining RAF Special Mission Aircraft. Prior to Rosie starting her journey into defence in 2017 upon completion of her GCSE’s she went to study L3 BTEC in Engineering at Coleg Cambria, Deeside. This is where she took the decision to uptake an apprenticeship with Raytheon UK. During her time as an apprentice Rosie learnt how to work with the tools and materials required to manufacture aircraft components. She had the opportunity to compete in the UK World Skills Competition where she won her regional event going on to represent Wales at the UK National Finals held at the NEC in Birmingham. In her final year Rosie was named Welsh ‘Apprentice of the Year’ 2020 presented by Made in Wales. Rosie is passionate about helping and inspiring young people where alongside her aircraft manufacturing role she has taken on the Head of STEM for Raytheon UK where she holds responsibility for organising and coordinating stands at many airshows, exhibits and careers fairs across the UK and organising RTX’s Flagship event the ‘Quadcopter Challenge’ where schools from across the UK compete to become Quadcopter champions. In 2022 Rosie was recognised for her outstanding contribution to STEM. When she was named ‘Outstanding STEM Ambassador’ at a ceremony in the House of Lords, receiving her award from Baroness Brown. Rosie is a keen motorsport enthusiast taking part in various track days in her self-prepared Honda Fireblade powered Locost track car. Rosie holds a UEFA B Licence in football coaching, she currently coaches at the Association of Wales’s Academy which sits in the Girls Performance Pathway.

Amy Quinn

Flight Simulation and Synthetic Trainers Engineer, MoD

Amy is a engineer that works with flight simulation and synthetic trainers within the MoD. After leaving school she attended a year in Nuclear Engineering before starting her apprenticeship with the MoD. She completed her degree two and a half years ago and in that time has been exposed and worked on a variety of defence simulation and synthetic trainers. She has always wanted to become an engineer however, fell in love with modelling and simulation during her time as an apprentice and has been developing her knowledge and skills in this specific area ever since.

Holly Sauntson

Business Development Graduate, Raytheon UK

Holly is a Business Development and Strategy analyst on the Raytheon UK (RUK) Graduate Development Programme. Over the course of the two-year programme, all graduates are required to conduct rotations; Holly has the opportunity to work in different roles and business areas within the Business Development and Strategy function. Her current placement is on a complex strategic campaign in Training Transformation Services, working in a Business Development and Capture capacity. So far, this role has presented opportunities to interface directly with the customer, exposure to RUK senior management, as well as attend multiple domestic and international defence conferences and exhibitions. Prior to joining RUK in 2023, Holly completed her A Levels at Boston High School, before undertaking her degree in Politics and American Studies JH at the University of Nottingham. Here she was able to develop her interests in global affairs, political philosophy, civil rights and justice, and security studies. Holly is a member of the RTX Women Inspiring Success and Empowerment (WISE) Employee Resource Group, which focuses on fostering a community that values and empowers women at every stage of their career. WISE are responsible for key RUK policy change relating to parental leave and women’s health, as well the establishment of a professional mentorship scheme. Holly has taken ownership of community-focused initiatives, heading up Book Club and helping organise key WISE events throughout the year. Committed to supporting future generations entering the defence industry, Holly is a STEM Ambassador, supporting outreach initiatives to promote RUK STEM pathways at a variety of air shows, science festivals, and careers fairs. Outside of RUK, Holly is also a member of the DSET NextGen subcommittee, focused on tackling issues around recruiting, retaining and empowering young talent throughout the defence industry.

Simon Harrison

Wargaming Festival Host

Deputy Principal Security Advisor and Info Assurance Lead, British Army

Anna Nettleship

Managing Director, Wargaming Network, KCL

Anna Nettleship is the Managing Director of the King's Wargaming Network, organising wargaming research and events with King's faculty, staff and international partner organisations, and the head of the Network's Wargame Analyst Programme. She is a PhD candidate in the Defence Studies Department writing a dissertation on US Army doctrinal development practices for contemporary conflict that includes the design and execution of an analytic wargame to examine use of force in warfare. Previously, Anna Nettleship spent five years active duty as a linguist of Modern Standard Arabic in the Military Intelligence branch of the United States Army. During her contract she worked as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Taskings for S3 Operations for the 706th MI GRP managing unit and mission activity for upwards of 600 service members and as a Command Language Program Manager, securing training and testing for a cohort of upwards of 300 linguists and assisting in the management of language facilities for Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force linguists stationed at Fort Gordon, GA. She has worked as staff on multiple wargames prior to and during her work with the Wargaming Network including simulations of conventional, nuclear and hybrid warfare and gray zone conflicts and has spoken on various aspects of wargaming at Connections US and Connections UK. She holds an MA in War Studies from King's College and a BA in Political, Legal and Economic Analysis from Mills College and has participated in programs of study at the London School of Economics and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Paul Ellis

Managing Director, i3 Gen

With a 30-year background in technology marketing and strategic communications consulting, Paul now leads i3 Gen. This specialist consulting company blends the art of wargame design and facilitation with story-crafting and strategic planning. An unusual and varied career journey that has benefited from engaging with diverse client sectors and staying at the leading edge of technology development. This journey was subsequently complemented by his service as a Reserve Officer in the British Army, offering an enhanced perspective that enriches our insights and approach. At i3 Gen, we transform complexity into strategic clarity. Our distinctive fusion of wargaming and narrative-driven strategy equips leaders to tackle strategic challenges, and craft informed plans confidently. We believe wholeheartedly in the transformative power of competitive storytelling to interest audiences, explore insights, and achieve significant impact.

Caroline Shawl

Principal Analyst, Dstl

Leading Learning Futures for Defence & Security and Enterprise Exploitation of XR.

Anita Friend

Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator

Anita Friend is the Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), which finds and funds exploitable innovation for UK defence and security quickly and effectively, whilst boosting UK prosperity. In this role, she has placed strong emphasis on taking a collaborative approach across defence, security and industry – enhancing DASA’s service offering to deliver the best solutions for our customers and to help our suppliers grow their business. She has sought to ensure DASA finds ideas from a diverse range of sources and provides services, which accelerate and facilitate the turning of great ideas into benefits for defence and our national security. Anita joined DASA with over 10 years’ experience of working in National Security leadership roles in both Home Office and Cabinet Office. Before moving into the National Security field, Anita started her career in social research working in the private sector. Outside of work, Anita enjoys spending time with her husband and young children, countryside walking and travel.

Capt Paul Howarth

Education Advisor, RAF

Paul is a lifelong gamer, with a background in education and training, working with young children up to adults and in a range of contexts, including primary and secondary schools, local authorities and on national programmes. He has researched, designed and conducted games in the classroom, megagames in the community and serious games for Defence and commercial organisations through his company, Story-living Games. As an Army Reservist in Outreach Group, 11 (Security Force Assistance) Brigade, his work includes themes such as Security Capacity Building, Human Security, CIMIC, Culture & Engagement. In his spare time Paul enjoys hill-walking, cycle tours, films and the theatre.

Dr Danny Hyam

Senior Technical Relationship Consultant, Ordnance Survey

A Geology graduate with a doctorate in the Geology of the Falkland Islands he has over 25 years’ experience at Ordnance Survey. Danny joined in the Data Quality team before moving to Marketing and then Consultancy. Within the Consultancy and Technical Services team, he has had responsibility for customer facing demonstrators, been the Operations Manager and most recently become a Senior Consultant with responsibility for the Wales and West region, Local Resilience Sector and Mapping for Emergencies. Danny has a particular interest in evangelising Geography in Education and has been doing schools outreach for a number of years.