Speakers

Aapo Hölsä is a dedicated researcher at the University of Oulu, specializing in application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to transportations systems. His work focuses on integrating MBSE into the life cycle processes of transportation systems to enhance system performance and manage risks effectively. Under the supervision of Professor Juho Könnö, Aapo's research aims to address the challenges of tool integration and stakeholder engagement in MBSE.

His innovative approach promises to improve collaboration and system reliability, contributing significantly to the field of systems engineering. Aapo's research is poised to influence the development of sustainable and efficient transportation systems.

Adam Lancaster is the Engineering Discipline Lead for the Systems Engineering Discipline. Alongside this, Adam also supports the Digital Engineering Work package for Systems Engineering and Model Based Engineering in GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme).

He has been with BAE Systems since 2007 starting as a Software engineer in Modelling and Simulation, developing training devices and cockpit demonstrators. During this time, he worked on a number of projects including F35, Saudi Tornado, Dreadnought, Tempest and now GCAP. After 15 years Adam worked elsewhere for 3 years to follow-up on new learning opportunities and returned to BAE Systems.

Adam has a Bachelor’s of Science degree with honours, has completed his ASEP qualification and is currently working towards his chartership with INCOSE UK.

Andrius Armonas is a seasoned software engineering professional with over 20 years of experience. He is currently serving as the CATIA Systems R&D Application Director and MagicDraw Product Manager, and is leading the SysML v2 implementation effort at Dassault Systemes.

Andrius holds a PhD, MS, and BS in Software Engineering and is a member of INCOSE, where he received Best Paper awards in 2018 and 2019. Additionally, he is the chair of the OMG Risk Analysis and Assessment Modeling Language (RAAML) working group and coordinates Dassault Systemes' activities within the OMG SysML v2 and KerML working groups.

Matthew Howlett is a Chartered Engineer and an OMG-Certified Systems Modeling Professional with over 25 years of experience in the Aerospace and Defence industry.

Matthew is a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). He serves on the Customer Advisory Board for Dassault Systèmes’ CATIA Magic Portfolio and provided industry input to Cranfield University’s ‘Applied MBSE’ course, for which he is also a guest presenter.

His career began at Rolls-Royce, where he gained extensive experience across the full systems engineering lifecycle. For the past 10 years, Matthew has focused on the application and continuous improvement of MBSE. He is currently Chief Systems Specialist for MBSE at Leonardo UK.

Loic Leconte has over 25 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, with a focus on system-on-chips (SoCs) architecture for automotive, industrial, and mobile markets.

He previously worked at NXP Semiconductors as Technical Director for Functional Safety, where he applied a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to defining Technical Safety Concepts for the i.MX and S32N families. Earlier roles include system architect for automotive SoCs, senior engineer at Samsung Electronics, and platform architect at Texas Instruments, where he contributed to defining OMAP platforms and modem chipsets.

Saadat Ali, Lead CAD/ Electrical Design Engineer for the EDS team at Einride Autonomous Technologies, Sweden, specializing in mechatronics, electrical distribution systems for Autonomous Electric Trucks (AETs). With deep expertise in ADS EDS development, verification and validation and electrical interface design, with cross-functional teams collaboration to deliver innovative, production-ready solutions.

Saadat holds a Master’s in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Mechatronics and Control Systems. His experience spans end-to-end EDS design, tool implementation, and agile project management.

Dr. Siyuan Ji is a Reader in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) at Loughborough University. After earning his PhD in Quantum Physics, he transitioned into systems engineering, where he has since built a distinguished academic career focused on MBSE. At Loughborough, he leads three flagship postgraduate modules, Systems Architecture, Systems Design, and Validation and Verification, which incorporate modern model-based approaches and tools. Dr. Ji is a co-author of Essential Architecture and Principles of Systems Engineering, a widely used postgraduate textbook on model-based systems architecting. He also serves as Director of the Quantum Systems Engineering research group, where he is pioneering the application of MBSE to the engineering and integration of emerging quantum technologies.

Joseph Hughes, an INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional, brings over a decade of expertise to his role as an MBSE Senior Specialist at Dassault Systèmes in the UK. Specializing in SysML and UAF, he drives innovation in Model-Based Systems Engineering. With a background in Computing and Electronics from Birmingham City University, Joseph's global experience spans high-speed rail and renewable energy projects. Committed to excellence, he is helping shape the future of systems engineering by leveraging a rich perspective gained from diverse sectors and projects worldwide.

Greg Keech is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and Principal Systems Engineer at the UK Atomic Engineering Authority with 12 years’ experience in fusion energy and robotic maintenance across a variety of research programmes and international projects. He is motivated by how systems thinking, systems engineering, and model-based engineering can help solve some of the world's greatest challenges, and generate novel, innovative solutions with a focus on people, sustainability, and emerging technologies.

As Head of Architecting and MBSE Capability at Thales, Andrew Pemberton has been instrumental in advancing the adoption of these methodologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of complex system development.

In addition to his role at Thales, Andrew is the serving President of the Institute for Systems Engineering, where he has played a pivotal role in promoting systems engineering practices and fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry.

Andrew’s work focuses on addressing the challenges of complexity, communication, and understanding within systems engineering. His efforts in MBSE have been crucial in improving the integration and performance of systems across various domains. Andrew Pemberton’s dedication to advancing systems engineering has made him a respected leader in the field, continually driving innovation and excellence.

Jason is a chartered engineer and systems thinker, motivated by the potential for disruptive technologies to address global challenges. As systems engineering group leader at the UK Atomic Energy Authority, he oversees systems engineering activities across a diverse portfolio — from supporting the development of the STEP fusion power plant, to large-scale decommissioning of the JET facility, to complex R&D programmes. He is also a visiting fellow in systems engineering at Loughborough University and an INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), with a focus on bridging cutting-edge research and practical application.

Prof Jon Holt is an internationally-recognised expert in the field of Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE). He is an international award-winning author and public speaker and has authored 18 books on MBSE and its applications.

Since 2014 he has been a Director and consultant for Scarecrow Consultants, who are ‘outstanding in the field of MBSE’.

Jon is also a Professor of Systems Engineering at Cranfield University, where he is involved with the teaching of and research into MBSE. He is a Fellow of both the IET and the BCS and is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered IT Professional. He is a founder-director and Technical Director of the Institute for Systems Engineering (IfSE), where he is responsible for all technical activities. In 2015, was identified as one of the 25 most-influential Systems Engineers in the last 25 years by INCOSE. In 2022 was elected as an INCOSE Fellow, one of only 85 in the world.

Jon is also actively involved in the promotion of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) where he uses magic, mind-reading and occasional escapology to promote Systems Engineering at Music Festivals, Science Festivals, radio shows and other STEM events. He has also authored the children’s STEM book ‘Think Engineer’ which is published by IfSE.

Juho Könnö is Professor of Vehicle and Mobile Machinery Engineering at the University of Oulu, Finland. His background combines academic research and industrial experience, having worked at Wärtsilä on engine development and hybrid marine powertrains before moving into academia. His research focuses on systems engineering, sustainable powertrain technologies, digital design methods, and the transition toward low-carbon fuels.

In recent years, his work has expanded into off-road electrification, bridging heavy industry, mobility, and off-road applications. He is particularly interested in how advanced simulation and systems engineering can accelerate decarbonisation in sectors that are traditionally hard to electrify.

Aurelijus Morkevicius has 17 years of experience in systems and software engineering. Currently, he is a director of industry business consulting for systems engineering in Dassault Systems, CATIA brand. His areas of expertise are model-based systems and software engineering, as well as defense architectures (DoDAF, NAF, UAF). Aurelijus works with companies such as Aerospace Corporation, Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, MITRE, and other. Aurelijus is INCOSE ASEP and OMG Certified UML, Systems Modeling and BPM professional. He is also the co-chairman and the leading architect for the current OMG UAF standard. Aurelijus is also the originator of MagicGrid framework. He is representative of Dassault Systemes in INCOSE and NATO Architecture Capability Team. Aurelijus received PhD in Information Systems Engineering from Kaunas University of Technology in 2013. Aurelijus is a Professor of practice in the same university, book author, author of multiple articles, and a speaker in multiple conferences.

Parham started his career in 2008 as a harness designer within the aerospace and defence industry, later moving into methods and end-to-end processes for avionics and harness design, from requirements to manufacturing documentation.

He then worked as a business analyst before joining Dassault Systèmes in 2017, where he now works with all electrical applications end-to-end, focusing on guiding customers in deploying and evolving electrical solutions on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, helping them connect design, processes, and tools into a seamless flow.

Jafar Jamshidi CEng IMechE PhD MBA MSc BSc is a chartered mechanical engineer with a first class degree apprenticeship in manufacturing and tool making, a BSc degree with distinction in Industrial Engineering, systems planning and analyses, MSc in IT for manufacturing, PhD in mechanical engineering and an MBA with project in operations research.

Jafar has over 35 years of work experience in various roles from workshop technician to lead quality engineer and in academic environment he has been involved with several publicly funded and industrial contract research in manufacturing and assembly systems integration.

Jafar currently works at Cranfield University in the Aerospace Vehicle Design group, leading a few MSc training modules including “Integrated Tools for Product Development”, “CAD/CAM/CAE” utilising 3DEXPERIENCE platform, “Initial Structural Layout”, “Manufacturing”, “Design for Manufacturing and Operations”, and “GD&T”.

In addition to his university teaching modules Jafar has developed and delivered several CPD courses for participants from companies in high value manufacturing sector. His industrial research and teaching collaborators and clients include Vestas Blades, FARO, Hexagon, Renishaw, JLR, Tata Motors, BMW, AWE, NPL, ITER organisations, KUKA, Fanuc, Airbus, GKN, Safran, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and some of the companies in their supply chains.