Keynote Speakers
Sarah Black-Smith
General Manager, Motion Control, Siemens Digital Industries
Title: Achieving Manufacturing Excellence
Title: Achieving Manufacturing Excellence
Abstract:
The focus of the keynote talk will be on how Siemens’s Congleton facility achieved manufacturing excellence through a combination of Lean Manufacturing, People & Culture, Advanced Manufacturing and Digitalisation, Digital and Automation Technology.
Biography:
Sarah Black-Smith is a passionate and active promoter for enhancing the productivity of UK Manufacturers. Since June 2022, she has been at the helm of the Motion Control business in Siemens Digital Industries and is the Sustainability Lead. Sarah believes that digitalisation and ongoing advancements are pivotal in achieving the UK’s sustainability and productivity objectives.
With an impressive tenure of 23 years at Siemens, Sarah has held multiple positions at two factories located in Congleton and Lincoln, which has greatly enhanced her understanding of the industry.
Sarah led the Factory Operations at the Siemens Digital Industries factory in Congleton since December 2018, having previously been Head of Manufacturing. During her time at Siemens Energy Lincoln, Sarah held several operational management positions driving efficiency and excellence throughout the factory.
Sarah graduated from Loughborough University in 2004 with a BEng (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering and Management. Sarah completed an MSc in Operations Excellence from Cranfield University in 2016 and earlier this year completed her Global MBA at the Alliance Manchester Business School.
Sarah's passion lies in collaborating with individuals and fostering strong relationships. She holds a deep admiration for the manufacturing sector in the UK, recognising the incredible talent and innovation that exists within the country, regularly documenting this on LinkedIn.
Sarah firmly believes that diversity is a crucial element in unlocking the full potential of the engineering and manufacturing industries. She advocates for greater diversity within businesses and engineering courses, as believes it is essential for driving fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and transformative approaches.
Sarah Black-Smith is a passionate and active promoter for enhancing the productivity of UK Manufacturers. Since June 2022, she has been at the helm of the Motion Control business in Siemens Digital Industries and is the Sustainability Lead. Sarah believes that digitalisation and ongoing advancements are pivotal in achieving the UK’s sustainability and productivity objectives.
With an impressive tenure of 23 years at Siemens, Sarah has held multiple positions at two factories located in Congleton and Lincoln, which has greatly enhanced her understanding of the industry.
Sarah led the Factory Operations at the Siemens Digital Industries factory in Congleton since December 2018, having previously been Head of Manufacturing. During her time at Siemens Energy Lincoln, Sarah held several operational management positions driving efficiency and excellence throughout the factory.
Sarah graduated from Loughborough University in 2004 with a BEng (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering and Management. Sarah completed an MSc in Operations Excellence from Cranfield University in 2016 and earlier this year completed her Global MBA at the Alliance Manchester Business School.
Sarah's passion lies in collaborating with individuals and fostering strong relationships. She holds a deep admiration for the manufacturing sector in the UK, recognising the incredible talent and innovation that exists within the country, regularly documenting this on LinkedIn.
Sarah firmly believes that diversity is a crucial element in unlocking the full potential of the engineering and manufacturing industries. She advocates for greater diversity within businesses and engineering courses, as believes it is essential for driving fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and transformative approaches.
Chris Dungey
Chief Chief Technology Officer, High Value Manufacturing Catapult
Title: From Discovery to Deliver: Building the Manufacturing Research and Innovation Ecosystems
Abstract:
The UK’s modern industrial strategy positions manufacturing innovation as a national priority, yet the UK continues to face a persistent challenge in translating world-class research into commercial success. Turning the strategy's ambition into shopfloor productivity and economic growth will require coordinated effort, deep innovation and a clear sense of strategic direction. In this keynote speech, Professor Dungey will explain how the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult is aligning national priorities and industrial needs by pinpointing the technology innovation priorities that can drive industry forward. He will provide an overview of current approaches and set out the HVM Catapult technology capability strategy which will guide future investment, capability development and moreover ecosystem alignment.
Title: From Discovery to Deliver: Building the Manufacturing Research and Innovation Ecosystems
Abstract:
The UK’s modern industrial strategy positions manufacturing innovation as a national priority, yet the UK continues to face a persistent challenge in translating world-class research into commercial success. Turning the strategy's ambition into shopfloor productivity and economic growth will require coordinated effort, deep innovation and a clear sense of strategic direction. In this keynote speech, Professor Dungey will explain how the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult is aligning national priorities and industrial needs by pinpointing the technology innovation priorities that can drive industry forward. He will provide an overview of current approaches and set out the HVM Catapult technology capability strategy which will guide future investment, capability development and moreover ecosystem alignment.
Biography:
Chris provides leadership, guidance and technical insight, enabling centre teams to find the innovative solutions that connect industrial needs with world-leading research offerings. Chris joined HVM Catapult in October 2022 from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), where he was Research Director. Before joining NMIS, he held a number of senior research positions at TWI and was the Director of the Joining 4.0 Innovation Centre (J4IC) with Lancaster University. He has also worked in technology leadership and innovation roles at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Rolls Royce and GKN. Chris holds both a PhD and a 1st Class MEng (Hons) in Materials Engineering from the University of Birmingham, as well as an MBA (PG Cert) from the Open University.
Neil Mantle
Director Manufacturing Engineering and Materials, Rolls Royce
Title: Manufacturing as the enabler of competitively advantaged companies, products and services
Abstract:
In this keynote Neil will reflect on his heritage, his experience and distil on a vision through examples of how Advanced High Value Manufacturing and enabled Supply Chains are crucial to delivering the strategies to be a competitively advantaged manufacturing business. The talk will touch on a once in a lifetime opportunity within the next decade for Rolls-Royce and how manufacturing is shaping that. He will talk about why the closely aligned and harmonious relationship of academics, industrialists and external funding agencies is essential for success coupling early technology research through to in-production and in-service business success.
Title: Manufacturing as the enabler of competitively advantaged companies, products and services
Abstract:
In this keynote Neil will reflect on his heritage, his experience and distil on a vision through examples of how Advanced High Value Manufacturing and enabled Supply Chains are crucial to delivering the strategies to be a competitively advantaged manufacturing business. The talk will touch on a once in a lifetime opportunity within the next decade for Rolls-Royce and how manufacturing is shaping that. He will talk about why the closely aligned and harmonious relationship of academics, industrialists and external funding agencies is essential for success coupling early technology research through to in-production and in-service business success.
Biography:
Neil Mantle is Group Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Materials at Rolls-Royce plc, leading over 3000 of the 14,000 engineers and scientists across the globe. In this role he directs Rolls-Royce global materials and manufacturing engineering activities and relationships from early university based research and technology, through advanced manufacturing capability maturity and industrialisation to supporting divisional operations of in-production and in-service products.
Aydin Nassehi
Chair in Production Systems, Head of School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol
Title: The Future of Digital Manufacturing: To AI or Not to AI?
Abstract:
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into manufacturing systems has become a central topic in both industrial practice and academic discourse. While early digital manufacturing innovations focused on connectivity, data capture, and automation, AI now promises a shift from reactive systems to predictive and adaptive capabilities. This keynote will explore the extent to which AI represents a genuine transformation in manufacturing, as opposed to a continuation of earlier digital trends under a new label. Drawing on developments in production systems, cyber-physical infrastructure, and data-driven optimisation, the talk will critically examine the technological, organisational, and epistemological assumptions underpinning AI’s adoption in manufacturing environments.
Through a series of illustrative examples, the presentation will consider what constitutes meaningful intelligence in production systems and how to distinguish it from automation or advanced control. The talk will also explore the sociotechnical implications of adopting AI solutions, especially in relation to workforce expertise and system transparency. Rather than advocating for or against AI, the keynote will encourage a more nuanced engagement with its role, suggesting criteria for when AI is an appropriate and productive tool - and when it may not be.
Title: The Future of Digital Manufacturing: To AI or Not to AI?
Abstract:
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into manufacturing systems has become a central topic in both industrial practice and academic discourse. While early digital manufacturing innovations focused on connectivity, data capture, and automation, AI now promises a shift from reactive systems to predictive and adaptive capabilities. This keynote will explore the extent to which AI represents a genuine transformation in manufacturing, as opposed to a continuation of earlier digital trends under a new label. Drawing on developments in production systems, cyber-physical infrastructure, and data-driven optimisation, the talk will critically examine the technological, organisational, and epistemological assumptions underpinning AI’s adoption in manufacturing environments.
Through a series of illustrative examples, the presentation will consider what constitutes meaningful intelligence in production systems and how to distinguish it from automation or advanced control. The talk will also explore the sociotechnical implications of adopting AI solutions, especially in relation to workforce expertise and system transparency. Rather than advocating for or against AI, the keynote will encourage a more nuanced engagement with its role, suggesting criteria for when AI is an appropriate and productive tool - and when it may not be.
Title: The Future of Digital Manufacturing: To AI or Not to AI?
Abstract:
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into manufacturing systems has become a central topic in both industrial practice and academic discourse. While early digital manufacturing innovations focused on connectivity, data capture, and automation, AI now promises a shift from reactive systems to predictive and adaptive capabilities. This keynote will explore the extent to which AI represents a genuine transformation in manufacturing, as opposed to a continuation of earlier digital trends under a new label. Drawing on developments in production systems, cyber-physical infrastructure, and data-driven optimisation, the talk will critically examine the technological, organisational, and epistemological assumptions underpinning AI’s adoption in manufacturing environments.
Through a series of illustrative examples, the presentation will consider what constitutes meaningful intelligence in production systems and how to distinguish it from automation or advanced control. The talk will also explore the sociotechnical implications of adopting AI solutions, especially in relation to workforce expertise and system transparency. Rather than advocating for or against AI, the keynote will encourage a more nuanced engagement with its role, suggesting criteria for when AI is an appropriate and productive tool - and when it may not be.
Biography:
Aydin Nassehi is Professor of Production Systems and Head of School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol. His research focuses on the interface between digital technologies and manufacturing systems, with particular emphasis on cyber-physical production, hybrid modelling, and intelligent decision support. He is a Fellow of the CIRP (The International Academy for Production Engineering) and sits on several strategic advisory and editorial boards.
Nigel Pearce
Director, Collaborative Product Realisation Ltd
Title: Product Realisaton in a Changing World – Why Collaboration is More Important Than Ever
Abstract:
Manufacturing has changed significantly since the first industrial revolution – the volumes, the products, the efficiencies, the materials, the machines that make the products and, most importantly the customer expectations. In that same time period, the global industrial landscape has changed significantly where former industrial power house countries have given way to “best cost” sourcing and the dynamic of world trade has followed suit.
Today’s landscape is a complex one – a world of trade and market uncertainty, shifting demands, supply chain vulnerabilities as highlighted by Covid, reshoring, the drive (or not) for sustainability, digitalisation and AI and an increased demand for new technology. This highlights a fundamental need to shift the paradigm for manufacturing and manufacturing research, a paradigm shift that is not captured in the latest UK Industrial Strategy. The key to success going forward is ensure interdependency and collaboration is built into any research / product / manufacturing strategy from the start – no more can a siloed approach be taken to the research, to the product, to the supply chain, to digital, to sustainability, to cost, to efficiency, to skills. They have to be woven into the fabric of the strategy from day one
Title: Product Realisaton in a Changing World – Why Collaboration is More Important Than Ever
Abstract:
Manufacturing has changed significantly since the first industrial revolution – the volumes, the products, the efficiencies, the materials, the machines that make the products and, most importantly the customer expectations. In that same time period, the global industrial landscape has changed significantly where former industrial power house countries have given way to “best cost” sourcing and the dynamic of world trade has followed suit.
Today’s landscape is a complex one – a world of trade and market uncertainty, shifting demands, supply chain vulnerabilities as highlighted by Covid, reshoring, the drive (or not) for sustainability, digitalisation and AI and an increased demand for new technology. This highlights a fundamental need to shift the paradigm for manufacturing and manufacturing research, a paradigm shift that is not captured in the latest UK Industrial Strategy. The key to success going forward is ensure interdependency and collaboration is built into any research / product / manufacturing strategy from the start – no more can a siloed approach be taken to the research, to the product, to the supply chain, to digital, to sustainability, to cost, to efficiency, to skills. They have to be woven into the fabric of the strategy from day one
Biography:
Nigel has worked in manufacturing for 35 years since graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 33 of those years with Rolls-Royce plc, Nigel gained a huge breadth of experience delivering manufacturing technology projects, significant factory and supply chain improvements, many product introductions and reactivations, fast make components and two benchmark new factories. Nigel held the role of Digital Manufacturing Director for Rolls-Royce working closely with both the IT and the Manufacturing organisations and delivering significant digital traction. At this time, Nigel led the Rolls-Royce effort for the ventilator challenge during the first Covid lockdown. Most recently, Nigel has built a supply chain in a start-up. Nigel has now set-up his own business to offer his expertise to those who are equally passionate about UK manufacturing and want to drive towards zero defects through excellent, collaborative product realisation.
Duc Truong Pham
Honorary Chair, ICMR 2025 Chance Professor of Engineering, University of Birmingham
Title: Intelligent Optimisation with the Bees Algorithm
Abstract:
To handle today’s complex engineering optimisation problems, there is a need for smarter, more adaptive tools. Traditional methods often struggle with high dimensions, prompting a shift toward nature-inspired algorithms. This presentation introduces the Bees Algorithm, a powerful technique inspired by the foraging behaviour of honey bees.
Honey bees demonstrate remarkable collective intelligence—exploring their environment, sharing information, and converging on optimal solutions. The Bees Algorithm emulates these behaviours to create a robust and flexible optimisation framework that balances exploration and exploitation. It has been successfully applied to a wide range of engineering challenges, including design, scheduling, and control.
The presentation will cover the algorithm’s structure and mechanics, and how it compares to other nature-inspired methods like Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimisation. Application examples will illustrate its effectiveness, and comments will be provided on implementation, parameter tuning, and integration into engineering workflows, providing insights into how nature’s strategies can inspire elegant solutions to complex problems.
Biography:
Duc-Truong Pham is the
Chance Professor of Engineering at the University of Birmingham. He was
Professor of Computer-Controlled Manufacture and Director of the Manufacturing
Engineering Centre at Cardiff University. He has over 700 publications,
including 21 edited and co-authored books on intelligent systems, advanced
manufacturing and remanufacturing and has graduated more than 100 PhD
students. His awards include five prizes from the Institution of
Mechanical Engineers, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Automation
Congress and a Distinguished International Academic Contribution Award from the
IEEE. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Learned Society
of Wales, SME, IET and IMechE. He is the founding editor of the Springer
Series in Advanced Manufacturing and editor-in-chief of Cogent Engineering and
the International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing. He
obtained his Bachelor's, PhD and DEng degrees from the University of Canterbury
(NZ).
Charlie Wang
Chair in Smart Manufacturing, Head of Research Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Manchester
Title: From Geometry to Intelligence: Reshaping Manufacturing through AI-Driven Design and Process Planning
Abstract:
The future of manufacturing lies in bridging geometric computing, computational physics, and artificial intelligence. This keynote explores how these domains can be integrated to reshape the design-to-production pipeline - enabling systems that are not only functional but also fabrication-aware, adaptive, and optimized.
I will present recent advances in robot-assisted vector 3D printing, where toolpaths are aligned with structural needs and process constraints; neural representations that support co-optimization of geometry, material orientation, and toolpath generation; and closed-loop planning frameworks that adapt deposition strategies in real-time based on force sensing and process feedback. These developments enable the co-evolution of form, material, and process, resulting in printed parts with enhanced performance, reduced porosity, and higher structural integrity.
Drawing from applications in sustainable composites, wearable devices, and soft robotics, the talk highlights how AI can be harnessed to unify design automation and manufacturing intelligence. I will conclude with a broader outlook on the future of intelligent, sustainable, and autonomous manufacturing, where design optimization and process planning are no longer isolated steps, but tightly integrated through computational methods.
Title: From Geometry to Intelligence: Reshaping Manufacturing through AI-Driven Design and Process Planning
Abstract:
The future of manufacturing lies in bridging geometric computing, computational physics, and artificial intelligence. This keynote explores how these domains can be integrated to reshape the design-to-production pipeline - enabling systems that are not only functional but also fabrication-aware, adaptive, and optimized.
I will present recent advances in robot-assisted vector 3D printing, where toolpaths are aligned with structural needs and process constraints; neural representations that support co-optimization of geometry, material orientation, and toolpath generation; and closed-loop planning frameworks that adapt deposition strategies in real-time based on force sensing and process feedback. These developments enable the co-evolution of form, material, and process, resulting in printed parts with enhanced performance, reduced porosity, and higher structural integrity.
Drawing from applications in sustainable composites, wearable devices, and soft robotics, the talk highlights how AI can be harnessed to unify design automation and manufacturing intelligence. I will conclude with a broader outlook on the future of intelligent, sustainable, and autonomous manufacturing, where design optimization and process planning are no longer isolated steps, but tightly integrated through computational methods.
Biography:
Charlie C.L. Wang is currently Professor of Smart Manufacturing at the University of Manchester (UoM) holding an EPSRC Fellowship (2023-2028) on Field Computation for Vector 3D Printing. Before joining UoM in 2020, he worked as Professor and Chair of Advanced Manufacturing at Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands and as Professor of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He received his B.Eng. degree (1998) in mechatronics engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and his Ph.D. degree (2002) in mechanical engineering from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Prof. Wang has received numerous honors, including the ASME CIE Excellence in Research Award (2016), the ASME CIE Young Engineer Award (2009), nine Best Paper Awards, five project-oriented awards, and three teaching awards. He worked as the chair of Solid Modeling Association from 2021 to 2024, and was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in 2013 based on his contribution to computer-aided product and process development.
As part of the organisation of this conference, The University of Birmingham is collecting income via registration fees and sponsorships on behalf of the Consortium of UK University Manufacturing and Engineering Heads (COMEH).