What's trending now?

With the latest geopolitical developments in the Eurasian region and the growing need and demand for knowledge in renewable energy, data science, automation and robotics, and aerospace engineering and technology, this talk will explore the trends and impacts of current global affairs on the industry.

This year’s collaborative event will focus on entrepreneurship, and our keynote speaker will be one of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs, Chris van der Kuyl CBE FRSE. His presentation will discuss why now is the time to explore the dynamics behind what impact global current affairs are having on the engineering industry and how this affects what is trending now in the sector.

Attendees will be encouraged to join a networking drinks reception after the talk.

Each year the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Royal Academy of Engineering invite a prominent figure to deliver a talk on a current topic within the engineering sector to bring together industry professionals and encourage new thinking, ideas, and conversations.

Entrepreneur

Chris van der Kuyl is one of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs working across the technology, media, gaming and entertainment sectors. Chris is most notably co-founder and chairman of multiple award-winning games developer 4J Studios, best known for developing Minecraft for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo games consoles. He and fellow co-founder Paddy Burns launched Chroma Ventures, the investment arm of 4J Studios, in 2021.

Chris is chairman of; Puny Astronaut, Stormcloud Games and Parsley Box and sits on the boards of; Blippar, Ace Aquatec, Ant Workshop and ADV Holdings. He is also a non-executive director of the Ballie Gifford US Growth Trust.

Alongside his commercial roles, he was the founding chairman of Entrepreneurial Scotland and is currently a member of multiple advisory and local charity boards. Elected as one of the youngest Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2013, Chris was also formally recognised for his contribution to technology in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020, becoming a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Important points to note:

• This event is suitable for ages 16+
• “Please note that your personal data will be used in a limited and specific way by both the RSE and the RAE for the purposes of organising this event (for example, event invitations and dietary requirements). Data will be held securely and will only be used for the purposes stated. More information about how your personal data is protected can be found at the RSE’s Privacy Policy and at the RAEng’s Privacy Policy
• This event will be recorded and photographed.
• Please note that should alcohol be served, we operate a Challenge 25 policy.
• Accessibility statement: We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or questions about how we can support this event, please contact the RSE Public Engagement team at [email protected].
• Covid-19: To prevent the spread of Covid-19, we kindly encourage participants to wear face masks if they feel comfortable doing so; use the hand sanitisers provided at the venue, and stay at home if they have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Royal Society Of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom