UWTSD and RSA Innovation Lecture Series Continues with Successful Winter Event
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), in collaboration with the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), welcomed students, researchers, and industry professionals to the second event in its Innovation Lecture Series on 26 February 2026.
Hosted at the University’s Swansea Waterfront campus in the IQ Building, the event also reached a wider audience through a live-streamed broadcast.
The series, created and led by Alan Mumby, Lecturer in Innovation Management at the University’s Wales Institute of Science and Art (WISA) and RSA Fellow, is designed to showcase innovative thinking across sectors while strengthening links between academia, industry, and the RSA network.
This winter’s lecture explored the theme Innovation in Technology and Science, highlighting how collaboration between research institutions and industry is shaping new approaches to engineering, manufacturing, and digital development.
Industry insights were provided by Ben Altwasser, Head of Research & Technology at Safran Seats in Cwmbran. Drawing on experience across aerospace, robotics, and advanced manufacturing, he discussed how innovation and research investment are driving the next generation of aircraft seating technologies.
Dr Andrew Killen, Senior Research & Innovation Fellow at UWTSD, presented the University’s work exploring the role of artificial intelligence in modern engineering design. His talk focused on advanced AI technologies, particularly generative design and how these tools are transforming the way engineers approach complex design challenges.
Drawing on his own research and examples, Dr Killen demonstrated how AI-driven design can accelerate development, optimise structures, and significantly reduce the time from initial concept to finished product. He emphasised that generative design is unlikely to replace engineering roles but instead will act as a powerful tool that will accelerate innovation.
The presentation also addressed the ethical considerations of AI in engineering, highlighting the importance of responsible innovation and ensuring that emerging technologies are developed and applied in a transparent and socially responsible way.
Dr Andrew Killen said: “Artificial intelligence driven generative design is not about replacing engineers, it is about enhancing what engineers can achieve. These tools allow us to explore far more design possibilities than ever before, accelerating the journey from concept to finished product. The real opportunity lies in combining human creativity with advanced technology to drive faster, smarter, and more sustainable engineering solutions.”
“The aim of the Innovation Lecture Series is to open up conversations between sectors that do not always meet. By bringing industry experts and researchers together with students, we can inspire new ideas and build the collaborative networks that innovation depends on.”
The lecture also provided an opportunity for students to engage directly with professionals working at the forefront of technological development. The session concluded with a discussion and audience Q&A, encouraging dialogue around emerging trends in Industry 4.0, sustainability, and future manufacturing.
The Innovation Lecture Series runs quarterly throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, each event focusing on a different sector:
All lectures are free to attend and livestreamed to ensure accessibility for audiences across Wales and beyond.
About the RSA
Founded in 1754, the RSA champions ideas and practical solutions that help people, places, and the planet thrive. Through its global network of Fellows, it continues to support initiatives that encourage innovation across the arts, manufacturing, and commerce.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071