Transforming education through technology

Edinburgh

Event speakers

Join us in Edinburgh on February 4th 2025 for a day of insight, innovation and networking. Read on to discover who is speaking at Kortext LIVE in Edinburgh or secure your spot using the button below.

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Who’s speaking at Kortext LIVE – Edinburgh

Use the speaker profiles below to learn more about who is speaking at our Kortext LIVE event in Edinburgh.

From the HE sector

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson

Principal & VC, the University of Edinburgh

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson is the current Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh and previously served as the Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Hong Kong (HKU).

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson

Principal & VC, the University of Edinburgh

 The digital university: a vision for the future of higher education
09:15-09:45

Richard Strange

CDIO, University of Southampton

Richard is an experienced leader with three decades of knowledge gained across a range of sectors, from engineering and manufacturing to higher education.

Richard Strange

CDIO, University of Southampton

Panel discussion – How will tech deliver a smarter tomorrow?
12:00-12:45

Real experiences from the frontline: current challenges and sector needs
13:45-14:15

Professor Catriona Cunningham

Head of DLTE, Edinburgh Napier University

Professor Cunningham leads the Department of Learning & Teaching Enhancement at Edinburgh Napier University. She is passionate about higher education, having previously worked at several Scottish universities and for Advance HE.

Professor Catriona Cunningham

Head of DLTE, Edinburgh Napier University

Panel discussion – How will tech deliver a smarter tomorrow?
12:00-12:45

Theo Cernow-Cooke

Regional Lead (UK, Europe & South Africa), Symplicity

Theo has a background in consulting and education technology, overseeing the deployment of Symplicity’s university mental health software to institutions across the UK, Europe and Africa.

Theo Cernow-Cooke

Regional Lead (UK, Europe & South Africa), Symplicity

Panel discussion – How will tech deliver a smarter tomorrow?
12:00-12:45

Dr Debbie McVitty

Editor, Wonkhe

Debbie is Editor of Wonkhe, a former Chief of Staff at Universities UK, Director of Policy at the University of Bedfordshire, and Head of Policy at the National Union of Students.

Dr Debbie McVitty

Editor, Wonkhe

Research insights: fusing technology and pedagogy for cross-institutional success
10:15-10:45

Panel discussion (host) – How will tech deliver a smarter tomorrow?
12:00-12:45

Representing our partners at Microsoft

Zulfa Said

Azure Data & AI Specialist, Microsoft

Zulfa has a background in Econometrics, experience in people management and business operations. She is passionate about AI-driven data modernisation, empowering UK education customers, and amplifying black voices through Microsoft’s global Employee Resource Group.

Zulfa Said

Azure Data & AI Specialist, Microsoft

Everything is changing, fast!
09:45-10:15

Ana Bercea

Solution Specialist in Data & AI, Microsoft

Ana recently joined Microsoft as a Solution Area Specialist Graduate, following a highly successful placement with the company. She is a recent graduate of the University of Birmingham with a First Class Honours degree in International Business with Communications.

Ana Bercea

Solution Specialist in Data & AI, Microsoft

How Kortext and Microsoft are meeting the sector’s needs
11:15-12:00

Daniel Webb

Global ISV Partnerships Lead, Microsoft

As Global ISV Partnerships Lead, Daniel brings together Microsoft’s partner ecosystem to support joint customers’ digital transformation journeys. In his role, Daniel is committed to helping end customers accelerate their capabilities through digital transformation.

Daniel Webb

Global ISV Partnerships Lead, Microsoft

Panel discussion – How will tech deliver a smarter tomorrow?
12:00-12:45

Summary and closing thoughts
14:15-14:45

From the team at Kortext

James Gray

CEO & founder, Kortext

James has spent over 25 years pioneering digital content provision in higher education. He founded Kortext in 2013 and now, over a decade later, Kortext is a global leader in digital learning and student engagement solutions.

James Gray

CEO & founder, Kortext

Everything is changing, fast!
09:45-10:15

Panel discussion – How will tech deliver a smarter tomorrow?
12:00-12:45

Summary and closing thoughts
14:15-14:45

Andrew Bates

Chief Product Officer, Kortext

Andrew is responsible for defining and delivering the Kortext product strategy, working with his team in Canada and gaining insight from Kortext’s university partners.

Andrew Bates

Chief Product Officer, Kortext

How Kortext and Microsoft are meeting the sector’s needs
11:15-12:00

Robin Gibson

Director of External Affairs, Kortext

Robin Gibson is Director of External Affairs at Kortext, where he has been working since July 2020. At Kortext, he plays a vital role in developing the organisation’s sector relationships.

Robin Gibson

Director of External Affairs, Kortext

Welcome and introduction
09:00-09:15

Register your place at Kortext LIVE – Edinburgh

Secure your seat at an unmissable event, exclusively for senior HE leaders. Visit our registration page today and select our Edinburgh event.

Alternatively, use the other buttons below to access the full event agenda for our Edinburgh event, or for information as to how to reach the venue. 

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Event agenda
Venue information

London

29th January 2025

Edinburgh

4th February 2025

Manchester

6th February 2025