Digital Life 2024

Speakers & moderators

 M. Nicolas Cruz Bournazou 

Dr. M. Nicolas Cruz B. leads the KIWI-biolab, a pioneering research facility specializing in machine learning applications for the automation of High Throughput Bioprocess Development. His work is focused on advancing bioprocess digitalization, developing model-based tools for biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals, implementing lab automation strategies, and enabling self-driving biolabs. Over recent years, his research has been instrumental in integrating model-based methodologies with High Throughput experiments to accelerate bioprocess development.

The main achievements of the KIWI-biolab include the development of adaptive algorithms for real-time optimal redesign of parallel experiments, hybrid tools combining Machine Learning with dynamical modeling for bioprocess engineering, and the creation of a digital platform facilitating collaborative operation of robotic experimental facilities. Dr. Cruz's research is motivated by the belief that robotic systems in bioprocess development and biomanufacturing require sophisticated digital tools, models, and algorithms to fully harness their capabilities. 

Margaret Rae

Margaret Rae is the founder and CEO of Konree Innovation – a Deep-Tech company developing a solution to reliably manage and control lice parasites in fish aquaculture.  Konree Innovation won one of the inaugural WomenTechEU awards for Deep Tech innovation in 2021/2022.  In 2023, Konree succeeded in securing Pre-Seed Start Fund from Enterprise Ireland as well as the supports offered by the EU’s SynergistEIC programme.

Previously, Margaret was the Chair and EU Co-Chair of the Marine Microbiome Working Group at the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance between Canada, the European Union and the United States of America and the company is also a member of the Irish Ocean Literacy Network.

From 2015-2020, Margaret was a Director at the Marine Institute Ireland, the Irish State Agency for marine research, technology development and innovation.  There she directed the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance Coordination and Support Action (AORA-CSA), an EU Horizon 2020 Support Action that supported the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance between Canada, the European Union and the United States of America.  Research theme areas supported by the AORA-CSA included Marine Microbiome, Ocean Observation, Ecosystem Approach to Ocean Health & Stressors, Aquaculture, Ocean Literacy and Seabed Mapping as well as a Shared Access to Marine Research Infrastructures.

Margaret researched her doctorate degree in physical chemistry at the Instituto Superior Técnico In Lisbon, Portugal, her master’s degree in environmental studies at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and her Bachelor of Science degree from University College Dublin, Ireland.  For the last 15 years, Margaret has worked in the marine sector.

Filippa Lentzos

Dr Filippa Lentzos is Reader (Associate Professor) in Science & International Security at King’s College London, where she is jointly appointed in the Department of War Studies and the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine. She is also an Associate Senior Researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and a Non-Resident Scholar at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS). She chairs the WHO Technical Advisory Group on the responsible use of the life sciences and dual-use research (WHO RULS DUR), and she is a member of the WHO Health Security Interface – Technical Advisory Group (WHO HSI-TAG). She is a rostered expert for the UN Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical or Biological Weapons (UNSGM), and she serves as the NGO Coordinator for the Biological Weapons Convention. She is also a member of the UK Biosecurity Leadership Council.  For more about her work, see: www.filippalentzos.com or follow her on twitter: @FilippaLentzos  

Anne Ingeborg Myhr

Anne Ingeborg Myhr is SVP in the Biotechnology and Circular Economy department of NORCE. The department consists of three research groups: Industrial Biotechnology; Marine Biotechnology; and Gene Technology, Environment and Society. Myhr holds a Dr. scient in medical biology and a M.Sc in biotechnology. Myhr has extensive experience from inter- and transdisciplinary projects on emerging technologies including genome editing. Her main research focus  is on future food systems, sustainable aquaculture, protection of the environment and biodiversity, and the circular economy. This includes studies on ELSA and RRI with novel technologies. Myhr is a member of the Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board as well as the Norwegian Board of Technology.