'From the invisible to the autonomous' with Professor Nick Colosimo (MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence 2022), Head of Group Science and Technology, BAE Systems
From a naïve apprentice to the Head of Group Science & Technology for BAE Systems, this talk describes an unplanned career journey of discovery, bouncing from one interesting science and engineering topic to the next. It has involved the secretive world of stealth technology, the revealing world of sensing, the challenging technical management of experimental aircraft, and pioneering of several autonomous systems capabilities. All made possible through BAE Systems, and of course, extensive work in partnership with Cranfield University. Nick's work from the ‘invisible to the autonomous’ is both literal and career metaphorical. The advice he offers from his experience is to; find what you love, be determined to master it, get involved in extra curricula activities, and to operate outside of your comfort zone to discover what you don’t know.
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Programme & speakers
Professor Nicholas Giacomo Robert Colosimo is a senior technology leader and innovator with over 35 years of experience in defence. As Head of Group Science & Technology, and CTIO Engineering Fellow at BAE Systems, he has overseen strategy and research that underpins critical UK Defence programmes.
Nick holds over 120 granted, published and classified patents across most defence relevant technologies, many of which are cited by leading tech companies and some are incorporated into BAE Systems products. He has been a double‑figure winner of BAE Systems Chairman’s Awards for Innovation, a mentor, and a judge, including as a co-judge on the Telegraph’s National STEM Awards (x2). Being a strong proponent of outreach, he has delivered talks to over 30 academic institutions in the past few years and provided Radio, TV, and major conference interviews and talks (e.g. BBC Radio 4 and New Scientist Live x3). This has extended to supporting; the British Computer Society’s courses, the Bletchley Park AI Exhibition, and The Queen’s Awards (advisor). Nick is also a Fellow of four professional bodies.
His career includes senior engineering and programme management roles for experimental systems and test aircraft, achieving world firsts, working closely with Cranfield University and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions.
Nick held earlier positions as an electromagnetics specialist, sensors specialist and software engineer. During his career he has led several major studies for the UK MOD and provided in-person support to No 10 Downing St on several occasions. Nick combines broad and deep technical expertise with strategic vision, driving world‑first demonstrations in “impossible” timescales.
Location & travel details
Online
Who should attend
Alumni, students and staff welcome to attend.
Cost & concessions
Free to attend.