The Eighth Annual Assembly
We're pleased to open registration for the highlight of the Supergen ORE Hub calendar: the Early Career Researcher Forum and Annual Assembly.
- Tuesday 15 April, 09.00 - 17.00
- University of Manchester, Nancy Rothwell Building
- Registration open
Optional Activities
- Networking reception on the evening of Monday 14 April, 18.00 - 19.30
- Lab Tours after the Assembly Tuesday 15 April, 17.00 - 18.00
Join us for the eighth Annual Assembly to discover the latest research and keep pace with advancements in the rapidly evolving offshore renewable energy sector. All are welcome at this friendly event which brings together academics, industry professionals, and policymakers working from offshore wind, wave and tidal energy to explore cutting-edge research, emerging opportunities, and key challenges. The Supergen ORE Hub network provides the ideal platform to collaborate, network and stay informed on the latest innovations.
The Assembly will be an in person event, with access to recorded materials made available after the event via the Supergen ORE Hub website.
Early Carer Researcher Forum
We welcome the Early Career Researcher community to join the Forum the day before the Annual Assembly on Monday 14 April. Separate registration and details here.
Keynote Speaker
Professor Paul Monks
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Chief Scientific Adviser
Prof. Paul Monks CB, FRMetS, FRSC, FInstP is the Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Paul delivers independent and impartial science and engineering advice to ministers and policymakers across the DESNZ policy and delivery portfolio and Clean Energy Superpower Mission. The Chief Scientific Adviser is also responsible for ensuring the department has robust systems in place to access science and engineering expertise, including as co-chair of the DESNZ Science and Technology Advisory Council and as departmental Head of the Government Science and Engineering Profession. Before stepping into this position, he was Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, where he remains a Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science.
Keynote Speaker
Dr James Richardson
Climate Change Committee, Director of Analysis
Dr James Richardson has been Director of Analysis at the Climate Change Committee since July 2023. Previously he shaped the UK's infrastructure policy as Chief Economist at the National Infrastructure Commission, where he led on production of the UK’s first National Infrastructure Assessment, an in-depth assessment of the UK’s major infrastructure needs on a 30-year projection. He led net zero related work for the Commission’s second National Infrastructure Assessment, published in October 2023. Prior to this, James was Director, Fiscal and Deputy Chief Economic Adviser at HM Treasury from July 2012 to March 2016 and Director, Public Spending and Chief Microeconomist at HM Treasury from September 2008 to July 2012.
Panel Sessions: Topics Announced
The Annual Assembly brings together leading voices from across the offshore renewable energy sector, combining cutting-edge research updates with interactive discussion on the sector's most pressing challenges. Through expert led panels and in-depth conversations, we’ll explore the critical issues shaping the sector and paving the way to 2050 and unlocking the full potential of offshore renewable energy.
Policy and International Perspectives: Navigating the Path to Net Zero in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape
Join us as we discuss recent shifts shaping the future of offshore renewable energy while we also look beyond UK shores, taking a global perspective to determine the best path towards Net Zero.
Research, Innovation and Industry: Bridging the Gap
How can we work together to ensure we harness targeted research for transformative change and sustain collaborative conversations to strengthen an interconnected community.
People and Collaboration - Building a Breadth of Knowledge, Skills and Perspectives
Exploring how to build a diverse, multidisciplinary workforce equipped with knowledge of a variety of practices and specialist skills - essential for achieving growth in the offshore renewable energy sector.
Meet our Panellists
We are delighted to be joined by the following speakers from organisations championing the development of offshore renewable energy systems and technologies, representing perspectives from across the community.
- Will Apps - The Crown Estate, Head of Marine Development
- Mhari Begg - North Sea Transition Authority, Technology Advisor
- Christopher Fox - Equinor, Head of Policy, UK Renewables | RenewableUK Shadow Board Member
- Jim Fleming - EPSRC, Head of Energy
- Kerry Hayes - Simply Blue, Portfolio Director
- Dickon Howell - Howell Marine Consulting, CEO | ECOWIND Champion
- Kris Gratton - University of Edinburgh, Research Association
- Mara-Tafadzwa Makoni - PA Consulting, Complex Systems Consultant
- Nick Nardiello - Aviva, Senior Risk Consultant
- Nicola Robinson - Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Business Development Manager
- Bryson Roberston - University of Oregon, Centre Director
- Sandeep Sandhu - Innovate UK, Head of Stakeholder Relationships
- Sam Strivens - Carbon Trust, Senior Manager, Offshore Floating Wind
- Ines Tunga - Energy Systems Catapult, Practice Manager
- Oliver Wragg - Orbital Marine, Commercial Director
Further programme details to be published shortly.
