PNDC is proud to host the FIGURE Summer 2025 Workshop, taking place on 10–11 June 2025 at the Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Building on the success of previous workshops at De Montfort University, Imperial College London, and the University of Manchester, the summer 2025 event will focus on cyber security and artificial intelligence challenges facing the energy sector.
Photo copyright: Tamas Kuensztler
The workshop will feature renowned international speakers from industry, academia, and government. Among them is Professor Thomas Brandstetter , CEO and co-founder of Limes Security—a company specialising in industrial cyber security and secure software development—who will explore the sector’s evolving threat landscape.
Other keynote speakers include Professor David Nicol from the University of Illinois, Ofgem’s Director of Cyber and AI Regulation, Stuart Okin , and Dr Mark Goh Voon Wei from iTrust, Singapore University of Technology and Design.
The event programme will include a diverse mix of keynote talks, fireside chats, and interactive discussion sessions, along with dedicated networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration across the community on pressing sector-wide issues.
Event Details
When:
09:30 – 16:30, Tuesday 10 June – Wednesday 11 June 2025
Where:
Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
For information on travel and accommodation, please visit:
https://www.strath.ac.uk/conferencingandevents/attendinganevent
Agenda
Ofgem’s recently published guidance on AI in the energy sector and Ofgem’s role in regulating the sector.
by Stuart Okin , Ofgem
Securing digital infrastructure for renewable energy
by Prof. Shahid Raza , University of Glasgow
Why the way we build energy systems today is insecure, and what you can do about that right now
by Dr Greig Paul, University of Strathclyde
The international view of energy cyber resilience and AI
by Prof. Lei Zhang , University of Glasgow
Current American cyber research success and challenges
by Prof. David Nicol , University of Illinois
Current and future threat landscape of the energy sector
by Prof. Thomas Brandstetter , Limes Security
Operator Talks:
Developing a hybrid cyber range for OT systems
from Northern Power Grid
A process for hazardous vulnerability analysis in distributed cyber-physical systems
from National Grid
In depth’/’Layered protection for OT’/’ALERT’
from National Gas Defence
Industry Insights:
Industrial cyber security talks from ABB and Schneider Electric
Industrial artificial intelligence talks from Microsoft and IBM
The applications of post-quantum cryptography for the energy sector
by Dr Bob Oates , Cambridge Consultants
Cyber Exercising for Operational Technology:
Effective combined red vs blue and senior stakeholder cyber exercises
by Dr Richard Smith , De Montfort University
iTrust and critical infrastructure security showdown
by Dr Mark Goh Voon Wei , Singapore University of Technology and Design
To register for the FIGURE Summer Workshop or to request further information, please contact:
Dr Richard Smith (rgs@dmu.ac.uk), Tawfik Al-Hadhrami (tawfik.al-hadhrami@ntu.ac.uk) or Dr Kenny Awuson-David (Kenny.Awuson-David@ofgem.gov.uk).
Workshop Goals
Identify how applied research can help organisations enhance cyber resilience through innovation.
Share best practices and lessons learnt from cyber security exercises.
Explore how AI is reshaping the energy sector by:
Defining the applicability of artificial intelligence within operational technology.
Identifying key blockers to the adoption of new technologies.
Defining the applicability of artificial intelligence within operational technology.
Identifying key blockers to the adoption of new technologies.
Investigate emerging challenges introduced by technological advancements, such as quantum computing, in the energy sector.
Why Attend?
Collaborative Innovation
FIGURE bridges the gap between industry, academia, and government, creating an environment where challenges, insights, and best practices can be shared openly.
Beyond Boundaries
Although the focus is currently the energy sector, the workshop’s solutions are designed to transcend sector boundaries, benefiting critical national infrastructure providers more broadly.
Holistic Solutions
By fostering trust and mutual understanding among stakeholders, FIGURE ensures that diverse requirements are accurately represented, leading to more effective and inclusive solutions.
Breaking Down Silos
FIGURE aims to dismantle information silos, promoting the sharing of innovations and knowledge across organisations and sectors to build a more resilient, unified industry.
About FIGURE
FIGURE brings together industry leaders, government officials, and academic experts to develop cutting-edge applied research that addresses critical challenges in the energy and downstream gas sectors. The ultimate goal is to enhance cyber resilience and support the transition to Net Zero.
Inclusivity
FIGURE champions inclusivity across all levels—from frontline engineers to senior decision-makers.
Impactful Showcases
To maximise the visibility and value of its work, FIGURE members are encouraged to present their research through oral presentations and live demonstrations at workshops and meetings throughout the year.
To register for the FIGURE Summer Workshop or to request further information, please contact:
Dr Richard Smith (rgs@dmu.ac.uk), Tawfik Al-Hadhrami (tawfik.al-hadhrami@ntu.ac.uk) or Dr Kenny Awuson-David (Kenny.Awuson-David@ofgem.gov.uk).
Supported by
The FIGURE Summer Workshop 2025 in Glasgow is supported by the UK’s six Electricity Distribution Network Operators and PNDC.