We’re delighted to announce speakers for UVAC’s next Innovation Exchange, Ask, Innovate, Sustain: Powering the UK’s STEM Growth Ambitions, taking place on 11 March 2026 at the National Composite Centre, Bristol. Bringing together leading voices from universities, industry and research, speakers will share practical insights into how curiosity-driven research, skills development and emerging technologies are shaping sustainable growth across the UK’s key STEM sectors.

This free, in person event offers a timely opportunity to hear directly from those translating ideas into real-world impact. Through case studies and forward-looking discussion, speakers will explore how innovation ecosystems are supporting Net Zero ambitions, strengthening productivity, and building the future STEM workforce.

Registrations are still open, and you are invited to join us during British Science Week for this one-day event, which connects education providers, employers and researchers to turn curiosity into action. Alongside inspiring speakers, you’ll gain fresh perspectives, make valuable connections, and leave with ideas you can put into practice to support a greener, more sustainable future.

Speakers and Sessions include:

Welcome, introduction and context setting

Unlocking the UK’s potential: Bridging systems and connecting tertiary education pathways to raise standards, champion future skills, and deliver UK further and higher technical skills excellence

Dr Mandy Crawford Lee, Chief Executive, UVAC

Exploring curiosity-driven research, skills, and technologies to meet industry needs, while securing a greener more sustainable future

Claire Arbery- Head of Workforce Transformation Programmes, NCC, Deputy Chair, National Network of Institutes of Technology

Hydrogen horizons: Powering the future of clean energy

George Jenkins- Advanced Technology Project Lead- Workforce Transformation, Secretariat Hydrogen Skills Alliance, NCC

Charlotte Holt- Workforce Foresighting Engagement Manager, NCC, Innovate UK,

UK Aerospace- A journey of discovery: Destination Jet Zero (Futureworks)

GKN and Airbus

Equipping the workforce to thrive in the industries of today and tomorrow- The Energy Mix! Bringing education & industry closer together to co-design innovative solutions, raise standards, & champion future skills. 

Professor Rosa Wells-FE Principal and Dean for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, University College Birmingham

Emily Brennan- Communications Manager, Workforce Foresighting Hub, MTC tbc

Sarah Behenna-Women in Industry Project Coordinator, University of the West of England

​​Pride in professionalism: Inspiring technical skills excellence- from extraordinary to everyday!

Cerian Ayres, UVAC Associate

Fiona McGarry- Sector Engagement Manager, Enginuity

Peter Hill-Director at Heathcoat Fabrics Limited

Digital transformation solutions in education, and key industry growth sectors

Dr Blanka Hilton-Lecturer, Deputy Director of Graduate Research Studies for Natural Sciences, VR Lead, University of Kent

Professor Stephen Hilton-Chemistry and Enabling Technologies at University College London

Chris Fairclough- Lecturer- Nuclear Plant, Higher Education Advanced Practitioner, ETF and Royal Commission Technical Teaching Fellow, Lakes College

Supporting STEM Learner Progression: Creating ladders of opportunity so that no one gets left behind

Professor Rosa Wells-FE Principal and Dean for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, University College Birmingham

Steve Williams – Curriculum Leader Electronic Engineering, Gower College, Swansea 

Jane Davison-Director of Quality and Personal Development at New College Swindon

People and place: Leveraging diversity and inclusion to deliver on UK skills ambitions – Partnerships for goals!

Sarah Tudor- Associate Professor in Leadership and Degree Apprenticeships, University of Exeter

Darran Marks-Operations Director at Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology

Liz Lister- STEM Manager, Graphic Science

Technology, Teaching and T-Shaped Learning – Act local, think global! 

Donna Kenny-Strategic Lead- Skills and Technical Education, West of England Institute of Technology

Stacey Turner- DIJC STEM Coordinator, Marine Naval Bases, Marine and Technology, Babcock International Group

As the day closes, you’re invited to stay at the forefront of innovation—turning great ideas into reality—with the option to join a guided tour of the National Composite Centre and step aboard the Skills Bus for an additional, hands-on experience.

DOWNLOAD the Agenda

REGISTER your place