Speakers
Keynote: Dr Heather Williams: Leadership in Healthcare Science: Courage and Compassion
Dr Heather Williams, Consultant Medical Physicist and Clinical Director for Medical Physics and Engineering at The Christie, reflects on strategic development of the NHS under recent 10 year plans, the medical physics and engineering workforce delivering on those plans, and the skills needed to successfully lead complex and diverse teams through such times.
Dr Heather Williams is a Consultant Medical Physicist and Clinical Director of Medical Physics and Engineering at The Christie NHS Trust. She is also an honorary lecturer in the School of Health Sciences at University of Manchester, visiting professor in the Institute of Health at the University of Cumbria and visiting lecturer at the University of Salford. In a career spanning more than 25 years, she has primarily specialised in Nuclear Medicine techniques, particularly using Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
In addition, Heather is an award-winning communicator who relishes opportunities to stand up and talk about science, and actively encourages others (particularly women) to do so. Heather is Director of the non-profit organisation ScienceGrrl which celebrates and supports women in science, and in 2020 received the MBE for her contributions to diversity and inclusion in science.
When she's not busy with all that, Heather enjoys chatting with friends and family, wandering through the countryside with her dog, and singing in a community choir (not at the same time).
Keynote: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
We are delighted to announce that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will deliver a keynote address at STEF 2026.
We are currently expecting Lawrence Tallon*, Chief Executive Officer of the MHRA, to join us as keynote speaker. As the UK’s regulator for medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion, the MHRA sits at the forefront of ensuring patient safety while enabling innovation across healthcare technologies.
In this keynote, the MHRA will provide a unique perspective on the evolving regulatory landscape, exploring how science, technology, and engineering are accelerating the development and adoption of innovative medical solutions. Attendees can expect insights into the agency’s strategic priorities, the future of regulation for digital health and medical devices, and the critical role collaboration plays in driving safe and effective innovation.
This session will be of particular interest to professionals working at the intersection of healthcare, engineering, academia and industry, offering valuable context on navigating regulation while advancing cutting-edge technologies.
*Please note: if Lawrence Tallon is unavailable, the keynote will be delivered by a member of the MHRA’s senior leadership team, ensuring the same high-level strategic insight and expert perspective.
Keynote: Fiammetta Fedele FIPEM: The Multi-Generational Workforce Challenge in Healthcare Science
The talk will examine together the growing challenge of developing, recruiting and sustaining a multi‑generational workforce across healthcare, healthcare science, engineering, and the life sciences sector. As rapid technological change reshapes clinical services, manufacturing, diagnostics and digital health, the workforce now spans individuals entering from today’s digitally‑native generations, alongside experienced professionals in their 50s and beyond whose expertise remains essential. We will explore the widening skills gaps, the differing expectations and learning styles across generations, and the pressures facing universities, scientific training pathways and industry partners in attracting and preparing future talent.
Fiammetta Fedele is a Consultant Clinical Scientist, Head of Clinical Physics and Clinical Engineering at Barts Health NHS Trust, and a leading expert in ultrasound imaging and optical radiation protection . She has held a number of national professional leadership roles within medical physics and is widely recognised for her contributions to workforce development, professional standards and clinical governance across healthcare science.
Keynote: Professor Chris Hopkins FLSW, FAHCS, FIPEM, FIBMS, CSci, CEng
Professor Chris Hopkins is a nationally recognised healthcare science leader across the UK healthcare system. A Consultant Clinical Scientist with an international reputation in healthcare innovation and translational research, he has led initiatives spanning diagnostics, medical technologies, digital health, artificial intelligence and clinical pathway change, helping to accelerate the adoption of innovation into frontline patient care.
He is Head of the TriTech Institute and Clinical Director of the Assistive Technologies and Innovation Centre, where he leads pioneering collaborations between the NHS, academia, industry and government to deliver innovation driven improvements in patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
Professor Hopkins holds honorary chairs at Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and advises nationally through senior roles with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and Health Technology Wales. A Fellow of four leading professional institutions, he is recognised for his sustained national contribution to healthcare science leadership, innovation and NHS transformation, including receiving the NHS England Chief Scientific Officer’s Excellence in Healthcare Science Research and Innovation Award.
Meet our panel of Experts and Discuss 'Medical physics and clinical engineering 2035: reimagining science, technology and healthcare'
The discussion moves away from current operations issues, toward strategic leadership, innovation, influence and future system design. It positions the profession not simply as a technical/scientific service, but as a driver of transformation across healthcare.
Richard Scott PhD, CEnd, CSci, FAHCS, FIPEM, FCMI
Richard Scott is a clinical engineer and healthcare technology leader with extensive experience across medical device innovation, regulation, governance and MedTech adoption within the NHS. He works nationally and internationally on medical device standards, risk management and the safe introduction of healthcare technologies into clinical practice and has held senior leadership roles across Medical Physics and Bioengineering services.
Lisa Rowley
Lisa Rowley is an experienced professional with a strong background in healthcare science and radiological practices, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical insight to her work. She has developed expertise across complex clinical and technical environments, with a particular interest in advancing safe, effective, and innovative approaches within the field.
Throughout her career, Lisa has been involved in supporting service development, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across multidisciplinary teams. She is recognised for her ability to communicate complex topics clearly and for her commitment to improving practice and outcomes.
Dr Heather Williams
Heather will rejoin us on our panel of experts
Robert Ross
Haris Shuaib
Fiametta Fedele
Fiammetta will rejoin us on our panel of experts.
Ladan Najafi
Chaired by Chris Hopkins
Chris will rejoin us to chair the session.
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IPEM
STEF is organised and hosted by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM).
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