Digifest 2025 keynote speakers

Digifest welcomes speakers from the fields of education, artificial intelligence, public policy, research and organisational leadership.

Paul Iske

Professor of open innovation and business venturing at Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics

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Paul is professor of open innovation and business venturing at Maastricht University and the founder of the Institute for Brilliant Failures. He is dedicated to helping organisations become more intelligent, innovative, and entrepreneurial. He obtained his PhD in theoretical physics and then worked at Shell, where he mainly connected knowledge within and outside Shell. Paul is a consultant in the areas of creativity, innovation, intellectual capital, knowledge management and entrepreneurship within the private and public sector at home and abroad.

Paul will give the opening keynote 'Brilliant failures: working together, failing together, learning together' on day one of Digifest.

Sana Khareghani

Professor of practice in AI at King's College London

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Sana has over 20 years’ experience in technology and business. She has worked as a software engineer, management consultant and the inaugural head of the UK Government Office for AI, leading the team to publish the UK's National AI Strategy and invest nearly a £1 billion in the UK AI ecosystem. Sana is professor of practice in AI at King's College London, an ambassador for Responsible AI UK, a £35 million grant focused on the international ecosystem for responsible AI research and innovation, and has her own company advising corporations and governments on AI.

Sana will give the closing keynote 'AI - Where are we today' on day one of Digifest.

Judy Williams

Pro vice chancellor education and students at Queen’s University Belfast

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Judy is a distinguished academic and visionary leader in the field of education and students. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of education at Queen’s University Belfast. Judy is committed to fostering an inclusive and digitally enhanced learning environment that nurtures students’ personal and academic development. She is a strong advocate for student support services, mental health initiatives and community engagement opportunities, recognising the importance of developing civic and social responsibility in every student.

Judy will appear on the keynote panel 'Where today meets tomorrow' on day two of Digifest.

Helen Scott

Deputy principal for education at University of Stirling

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Helen's responsibility is to enhance student outcomes by considering the different factors that enable student success. She is producing a strategy to set the future direction for the University of Stirling’s portfolio and ensure excellence in learning and teaching for all students. Helen has built and contributed to an extensive network of higher education practitioners in digital pedagogy and leadership, especially supporting women to gain promotion and recognition for their achievements through mentoring, coaching and advocacy.

Helen will appear on the keynote panel 'Where today meets tomorrow' on day two of Digifest.

Pat Carvalho

AoC president, principal and CEO at Birmingham Metropolitan College

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Pat has worked in further education for over 30 years where she developed her interest in learning technologies, contributing and leading digital strategies as a senior leader. She holds an MSc in knowledge based systems and her current interest is in the development of artificial intelligence across her institution as well as what future learning spaces should look like whilst developing strategies guarding against the real barriers to learning posed by digital poverty and lack of capital investment.

Pat will appear on the keynote panel 'Where today meets tomorrow' on day two of Digifest.

Debra Gray, MBE PFHEA

Principal and CEO at Hull College, vice chair of the Jisc board

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Debra Gray is a nationally and internationally recognised leader in further education, specialising in digital transformation, AI integration, and workforce development. Currently completing a doctorate in education, her research explores the intersection of technology, pedagogy, and economic growth. As vice chair of the Jisc board, Debra influences the UK’s digital education strategy, ensuring AI and emerging technologies enhance teaching and accessibility. As principal and CEO of Hull College, she has led its transformation into a multi-award-winning institution, embedding AI, digital, and green skills into its curriculum.

Debra will appear on the keynote panel 'Where today meets tomorrow' on day two of Digifest.

Anthony Bravo OBE

Principal at Basingstoke College of Technology

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With over 30 years in further education, including 23 years as England's longest-serving principal, Anthony possesses extensive experience, strategic leadership, and governance skills. His career is marked by a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and leveraging technology to empower learners and communities. He has a proven track record of successful technology integration, enhancing learner outcomes and institutional performance. At BCoT, he has empowered students to teach staff and pioneered the use of AI in teaching, learning, and assessment.

Anthony will appear on the keynote panel 'Where today meets tomorrow' on day two of Digifest.

Susannah Quinsee

Vice-president (digital and student experience) at City St George’s, University of London

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As vice-president at City St George’s, University of London, Professor Susannah Quinsee is the strategic lead for digital transformation as well as leading institutional projects and strategy to support student experience. She is an EMCC accredited coach, a National Teaching Fellow, a SEDA Senior Fellow and AdvanceHE HEA Principal Fellow, and was an AdvanceHE Learning and Teaching Excellence Ambassador. She researches on university digital futures and playful practice and leadership and is a Lego Serious Play practitioner.

Susannah will appear on the keynote panel 'Where today meets tomorrow' on day two of Digifest.

Andy Miah

Professor at University of Salford

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Andy is chair of science communication and future media at the University of Salford, where he is also principal investigator for the Innovate UK UKRI funded MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub. He is the ethics in artificial intelligence champion and leads its metaverse special interest group. His research investigates the ethical, legal, social and cultural questions concerning technological change. Author of ten books and over 150 academic articles, Andy's recent works have focused on artificial intelligence, esports, digital health, and the metaverse.

Andy will give the keynote 'Humanity+' on day two of Digifest.