Richard Jones, Principal Enterprise Technologist, Amazon Web Services (Guest Speaker)

Richie has over 20 years of industry experience in the Financial Services and technology consulting space. As a Principal Enterprise Technologist at Amazon Web Services (AWS), he is part of a global team that helps customers define cloud adoption strategies, share best practices, and create new operating models to drive innovation, increase agility, and enable growth through a customer-centric approach.
 
Before joining AWS, Richie served as a Senior Vice President of Engineering at Dun & Bradstreet, prior to his tenure at Dun & Bradstreet, Richie worked at Accenture and Royal & Sun Alliance.

Download Ritchie's presentation here: 

Building the Future with AI - Richard Jones Future Talent Forum 2024

Vicky Twomey-Lee, Diversity in Tech Advocate & Co-Founder of Coding Grace (Guest Speaker)

Vicky is a techie who has been involved with the Irish Tech Community since 2005, and currently advocates diversity in tech through Coding Grace, PyLadies Dublin as well as being involved with many other initiatives including Women Who Code Dublin, Women In Technology and Science Ireland (WITS) and TechFoundHer. 

She was awarded the Community Spirits Award by the Python Software Foundation as well as one of the first EuroPython Society Fellows awardees. She’s serving as co-chair on the Python Software Foundations Grants Working Group, a board member of The EuroPython Society as well as part of the EuroPython core organising team this year. She is also part of the PyLadiesCon organising team who are hosting their inaugural global online conference at the end of this year. 

Closer to home (and how it all started), Vicky was one of the main Python Ireland organiser from 2005 to 2016, and chaired their first four PyCon Irelands, 

Not only does Vicky have interests in tech and being very involved with the Irish tech scene, she also ran community game jams as part of GameCraft Foundation, and really enjoys bringing the growing Irish indie community together under one roof creating diverse games. 

Download Vicky's presentation here:

Diversity In The Tech Community Vicky Twomey Lee - Future Talent Forum 2024

Dr. Robert Ross, Senior Lecturer, School of Computer Science, Technological University Dublin

Dr. Ross is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science in Technological University Dublin and a Funded Investigator within the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded Adapt Centre and a co-applicant / work package leader in the SFI funded Precision-ALS project.

Dr. Ross’s interests lie primarily in the application of machine learning methods to embodied Human-Computer Interaction such as with robotic platforms, as well as more generally in applied machine learning in health and education.

Within Adapt, Robert is academic chair of the Industry Engagement committee, and is the designated Industry Lead within the Digitally Enhanced Engagement strand. Robert has also worked closely with industry partners in the last 10 years both as part of the Enterprise Ireland / IDA funded CeADAR Technology Centre (Ireland's national centre for AI) and also through a range of Innovation and Commercialisation projects.

Robert has actives PhDs on topics including Active Listening in Tutorial Dialogues, Confusion Modelling in Human-Robot Interaction, Health Document Summarisation and Simplification, as well as Avatar Behaviours for Engaging Multimodal Communication.

Download Dr. Ross's presentation here:

Can my copilot carry the boxes? AI and Embodiment Dr Robert Ross Future Talent Forum 2024

Navigating Education 5.0: Learning in the AI Era

Education 5.0 is a new approach to education and training that aims to leverage advanced technologies such as AI, VR/AR and Internet Of Things (IoT) to enrich learning experiences and deliver better outcomes. In this panel, experts from industry and academia will discuss this emerging paradigm, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by the recent mainstreaming of AI applications.

Understanding how AI technologies are impacting upon traditional learning technologies and what the implications are for training and education is critical for today’s L&D professionals. Attendees will hear about practical approaches, innovative solutions, and upskilling and reskilling initiatives for adapting and thriving in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Hear from:

• Hugh McCabe (Panel Chair), Lecturer, School of Media, TU Dublin

  Hugh is a lecturer and researcher at the School of Media, Technological University Dublin. He has a background in computer science and visual media and his research interests are oriented towards the histories, practices and theories of media technology and machinic visual culture. He is experienced in programming, computer graphics, multimedia development and 3D modelling. As well as lecturing on the Creative Digital Media degree at the Blanchardstown campus, he is also Course Coordinator the final year and manages the Work Experience programme for the Year 3 students. In January 2024, Hugh joined the Enterprise Academy as a Fellow where he is researching provision of industry training in 3D and Immersive Technology.
  
  
  

• Gemma Dunn, Skills & capabilities project manager specialising in mixed reality AI & content creation, Intel Corporation

  Gemma is an industry training expert at Intel Ireland, boasting two decades of service in high volume semiconductor manufacturing. Throughout her time at Intel, Gemma has evolved into a pivotal figure in employee development, specialising in innovative training technologies including mixed reality, 3D, AI, and video production.  A mother of two adventurous girls, Gemma has always strived to share her love of developing minds as a Scout Leader, where she guides young people in developing life skills and a passion for the outdoors.
  
  
  

• Seamus McGrath, Public Sector Lead, IBM Consulting, Ireland

  Seamus has over 30 years’ experience delivering to clients having worked for most of his career in IBM and PwC. He is currently Public Sector Leader for IBM Consulting in Ireland. In his presentation, Seamus will draw upon his work with multiple clients such as the HSE, the Office of Public Works, the Department of Justice, Uisce Éireann,  and Musgrave, where he has delivered a range of solutions ranging from HR and Payroll systems to ERPs and Workplace Management Systems. He was recently involved in directing the implementation of a HR and Payroll solution in a large hospital and is about to embark on a sustainability project for a large public sector body. 
  
  
  

• Paula Kearney, Site Learning Lead at Takeda

  Paula is the Site Learning Lead at Takeda Grange Castle; a Japanese Pharmaceutical company. Grange Castle has 3 plants which encompass API, High Potency and Cell Therapy facilities. Paula has over 29 year’s experience within the pharmaceutical industry having previously worked in MSD Swords, Ipsen Beaufour and Gerard Laboratories.
  
  Throughout her career, Paula has gained extensive experience in both drug substance and drug product manufacturing. Paula is responsible for developing and delivering the Site Learning Strategy to deliver the operational competency requirements for a GxP regulated, manufacturing environment across multiple functions and for implementing the learning strategy based on site needs and business objectives. Before progressing her career into Learning and Development, Paula held senior laboratory roles in microbiology and analytical services. Paula now designs and delivers bespoke training programmes for industry.
  
  Paula has lectured previously for IT Tallaght (now Technological University Dublin), Griffith College Dublin and Innopharma College of Applied Science Dublin delivering modules in GMP, Aseptic Practices and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Technology. Paula holds a BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Business Operations from Griffith College Dublin and a Graduate diploma in Learning and Development from University of Limerick.
  
  
  

• Damian T. Gordon, Lecturer in Computer Science, TU Dublin
  

  Damian has been a Lecturer in Computer Science at the Technological University of Dublin for over 20 years. As a researcher he has written over 100 research papers on topics such as social media ethics, artificial intelligence, blended learning, universal design, and eLearning. Before starting as a lecturer, he worked in the computer industry; he was employed variously in the roles of Software Developer, Business Systems Analyst, Technical Team Leader and Implementation Consultant. 

Essential skills for success in an AI world: What & how to learn

How can we futureproof our careers in an AI World? Join us for an insightful panel discussion where educators and industry experts will explore transformative strategies and approaches to equip learners with essential AI skills.

Hear from:

• Dr. Dee Duffy (Panel Chair) Senior Engagement Manager at TU Dublin’s Enterprise Academy

  Dr. Duffy is Senior Engagement Manager at TU Dublin’s Enterprise Academy, a multidisciplinary business unit taking an innovative approach to collaborative talent development for workplace learners. In this role, Dee works with enterprises of all sizes to co-create talent development solutions.

  Before taking up this post Dr Duffy lectured for 14 years at TU Dublin in modules including Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Sociology of Fashion, and Professional Development. Her research interests include sustainability literacy in higher education, developing interpersonal skills to enhance graduate employability and citizen awareness, and exploring the relationship between fashion, sustainability, and the consumer. She has presented her research at conferences globally and has published book chapters and journal articles in her research disciplines.

  Dee’s latest creative project is a joint podcast project, marrying her academic interest in fashion with the medium of storytelling – Desert Island Dress (@desert_island_dress).

   

• Dr. Kesiena Mercy Ebenade, Capability Development Manager, BT Sourced
  

  Dr. Ebenade is a pracademic who has worked in the public and private sectors. She currently works as the Capability Development Manager in BT Sourced and works part-time as an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the National College of Ireland in the School of Business. She earned her PhD in Organisational Development from the University of Bolton, UK. Her research interests are action research, learning organisation, talent development, leadership development, mentoring and coaching. 
  
  
  

• Peter Blennerhassett, CEO and Co-Founder of Blynksolve

  Peter is CEO and Co-Founder of Blynksolve, an award-winning Digital Twin company based in Dublin. Blynksolve provides a novel Digital Twin solution to accelerate pharma manufacturing and time to patient with top pharma customers.  Blynksolve’s Digital Twin was awarded Innovation of the Year at the 2023 Pharma Industry Awards. Prior to starting Blynksolve, Peter was a process engineer in MSD and Pfizer working on various live-saving medicines. He is a graduate of UCD Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering and an evangelist of the Unified Knowledge Space concept in pharma manufacturing. With Blynksolve, Peter was chosen to be part of the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers Program at Technological University Dublin Tallaght Campus as well as recently completing the NDRC Accelerator. 
  
  
  

• Dympna O’Sullivan, Academic Lead, Digital Futures Research Hub

  Dympna is the Academic Lead for Digital Futures Research Hub at Technological University Dublin. Prior to joining TU Dublin, she worked as a lecturer in Computer Science at Aston University in Birmingham and as a Senior Lecturer in Health Informatics at City, University of London. She completed her post-doctoral work with the Mobile Emergency Triage research group at the University of Ottawa. She holds a BSc and PhD in Computer Science from University College Dublin. Her research is in Health Informatics and in Computing Ethics. 

  In Health Informatics, her research interests are in the design, development and evaluation of Decision Support Systems to support clinician and patient decision making. This work involves research across many aspects of the domain including electronic and personal health records, machine learning and intelligent algorithms, explainable AI, sensors and smart home technologies, accessible user interfaces and theories of health behaviour change.

  Her research in Computer Ethics focuses on the societal impacts of emerging technologies, which includes artificial intelligence, algorithmic decision-making and the associated privacy, fairness, transparency, and bias implications of AI. She develops methodologies for Explainable AI which aim to enhance the intelligibility of AI systems for end users. This research is underpinned by governance and legislation to ensure Trustworthy AI.
  
  
  

• Ann Masterson Head of HRM Discipline in the School of Management, People and Organisation, TU Dublin

  Ann is Head of the HRM Discipline in the School of Management, People and Organisations in TU Dublin, with over 20 years experience in the academic and business world, having held positions in Ireland and New Zealand as well as being registrar and acting as an external examiner for multiple Irish & UK Universities. Ann brings a wealth of knowledge in the HRM and general leadership and management fields and is a regular contributor to RTE brainstorm, with such articles as ‘How to futureproof your career from the AI skills disruption’. She is passionate about University-Industry collaboration and her current research lies in the development of a sustainable model for these collaborations for the technological university sector in Ireland.
  
  
  

This event is free but you must register your place on Eventbrite. Click on the link below to reserve your spot.

The event is located in TU Dublin Grangegorman in the East Quad on the Second Floor in EQ-212. Registration will take place in the lobby on the ground floor.

Where are we located?

The University's Grangegorman Campus is located in Dublin 7, about 1 km from Dublin City Centre. The campus is surrounded to the south-east by Smithfield, to the west by Stoneybatter, north by Cabra, to the north and east by Phibsborough / Broadstone. Our Eircode is D07H6K8. View our location on Google Maps.

Download Grangegorman Wayfinding Map

Parking in Grangegorman

Thank you for attending the Future Talent Forum 2024. We would love to hear how we did and welcome your feedback.. Constructive feedback is invaluable for us so that we can enhance our future events. 

If you have any specific observations or suggestions, feel free to share them.

About TU Dublin Enterprise Academy 

The Enterprise Academy is a multidisciplinary business unit at TU Dublin taking an innovative approach to Collaborative Talent Development. It offers a single-access point for enterprise to partner with TU Dublin on their talent development and long-term skills strategy. We work with enterprises across all sectors and business types to create flexible, scalable, accredited solutions that address sector-specific, cross-sector and transversal skill needs. Our work is informed by the latest research on future skills and relevant frameworks such as micro-credentials, mentoring, Work-Based Learning and Recognition of Prior Learning, as well as key drivers of change such as sustainability and digital transformation.

The Enterprise Academy is supported by Convene, a collaborative project with TU Dublin and UCD funded by the Irish Government’s Human Capital Initiative under Pillar 3 – Innovation and Agility.

See About the Enterprise Academy for more on what we do.

On June 22nd, the Enterprise Academy hosted its inaugural Future Talent Forum to drive transformative partnerships through innovative enterprise-led engagement and foster a community of talent development professionals from across enterprise and academia.

Attended by over 120 talent development professionals, sessions explored critical learning design principles and workforce trends including transversal skills, generative AI, applied assessment and the value of accredited education. A skills-first approach to talent acquisition and development was a pervasive theme.

Opening keynote Kate O’Sullivan, a Senior Director of EU Public Policy and Economic Graph at LinkedIn, highlighted the benefits of such an approach, including an increased talent pool for employers, democratised access to economic opportunity and a more diverse and resilient workforce. 

Greta Stahl, Senior Director of Organisational Learning and Development at Workday made a call to recognise the currency of skills as a more agile way to approach workforce development backed by continuing experimentation and personalisation.

An 8-episode podcast series has been developed, each featuring the invited experts at TU Dublin’s Enterprise Academy Future Talent Forum. Episodes are published on the EA website and third-party platforms and promoted weekly.