The Opening up Photonics team is pleased to announce the appointment of our first Steering Board.

In September 2021, Photonics Scotland, in partnership with the University of Glasgow, Institute of Physics and Innovate UK KTN, launched its Opening up Photonics (OuP) initiative, a platform to support the Scottish photonics industry to discuss and address, barriers faced by minority groups in Scotland’s photonics sector. The initiative aims to increase accessibility, champion diversity, and ensure a welcoming environment for all.

The appointment of OuP’s first Steering Board represents an important milestone in the development of the initiative, providing important external strategic guidance towards the aim of a more inclusive sector. The team are delighted to call on the expertise of an experienced, diverse Board and look forward to working with them to shape future activities under the OuP banner and implement positive change in the sector.

Meet our steering board members:

  • Sharon Doonin – Business Support Manager – Vector Photonics
  • Ben Hanley – Director – Enigma People Solutions Ltd
  • Dr Marie Hutin – Research Grant Manager – Edinburgh Instruments
  • Lesley Laird – Director – Equate Scotland
  • Dr Rair Macêdo – Lecturer in Electrodynamics and Spin Electronics – University of Glasgow
  • Jennifer MacDonald – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Project Manager – NMIS
  • Elissa McKay – PhD Student – University of Glasgow
  • Adam McKenzie – KTP Associate – University of Glasgow & Vector Photonics
  • Una Marvet – Head of Design Centre – Alter Technology
  • Christopher Payne-Dwyer – Business Development Manager – QuantIC
  • Tracey Skivington – Electro-optics Consultant – Thales
  • Professor Graham Turnbull – University of St. Andrews

Kirsty Annand, University of Glasgow and Opening up Photonics team member, shared the following on the appointment of our Steering Board members:

“I am incredibly excited to welcome our new members to the board, who bring with them a breadth of both experience and perspectives across the Scottish photonics sector. With representation across industry, academia, HR and business development, we believe that this board is strategically placed to advise on methods to enable a collective step change, both broadening our talent pool, and driving innovation and growth across our sector.”