Aegis Alumni

Former Aegis Professor of Quantum Technologies

Michael is the Director of the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). In quantum computing, information is encoded and processed by controlling quantum states, using effects that exist at atomic and sub-atomic levels, such as superposition and entanglement. The NQCC brings together academia, business and government to tackle the key challenges faced by quantum computing, develop new technology and support the UK’s emerging quantum computing industry, with the aim of making the country a world leader in this field.  

Michael’s background is in cryogenics, superconducting materials and solid state physics research. Prior to joining the NQCC, he was Head of Quantum Technologies across the Oxford Instruments Group, following several technical and commercial leadership roles with Oxford Instruments over the previous 22 years in Japan, North America and the UK. Michael is a member of the Institute of Physics and sits on several advisory panels including the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme Strategic Advisory Board.  

Michael continues to work as an Honorary Professor with research colleagues in Quantum /Physics and is Chair of the External Advisory Board on the Quantum Information Science and Technology CDT. QIST-CDT – QIST-CDT – Centre for Doctoral Training . 

Former Aegis Professor of Technology, Innovation, and Equality

Rowena has over 30 years’ experience in research and product development for industrial applications. Rowena gained experience across many roles at Malvern Panalytical and SPECTRIS where she was group head of STEM strategy. Rowena also has experience in technical leadership at startups and SMEs. Rowena led global research and development teams in designing and delivering new products, working with both well-established and ‘bleeding edge’ technologies, including acquisition and integration of smaller businesses and start-ups.  

Rowena is now a non-executive director at Oxford Instruments, chairs the Industrial advisory board in the School of Physics and is a trustee for NMITE (New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering), an initiative to respond to the UK’s shortage of engineers by transforming engineering education. 

Former Aegis Professor of Nanoimaging

Andy has been working in the field of nanoscale imaging, specifically scanning probe microscopy, since 1997. After completing his PhD at the University of Bristol, he worked as a research fellow and proleptic lecturer at the University. In 2001 he co-founded the spin-out company Infinitesima Ltd, where he is currently the Chief Technology Officer. 

In his position as CTO, Andy works at the leading edge of nanoscale metrology, regularly meeting with the international community of researchers, semiconductor equipment suppliers and device manufactures. He has has over 25 granted US patents and over 75 worldwide patents and scientific publications. He maintains an active relationship with academia through ongoing joint projects with academic researchers and invitations to sit on advisory panels.  

Andy is a member of the Physics Industrial Advisory Board at Bristol and is an expert in the semiconductor industry’s requirement for an increasing number of ever smaller devices on the same wafer is driving the development of increasingly complex 3D structures, using new materials and developing new device types. 

Honorary Professor of Emerging Technologies and Applications

Former Aegis Professor of Engineering Biology

Anike Te is Chief Strategy Officer of Lucideon Group Ltd., a materials science consultancy headquartered in the United Kingdom with a global footprint. Since 2018, she has led corporate strategy focused on long-term growth, innovation, governance, and the commercialisation of emerging technologies.

In addition to her corporate leadership responsibilities, Anike holds a number of strategic advisory appointments across government, academia, and industry. She is a member of the Strategic Advisory Committee of the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). She also serves as Strategic Advisor to the Chief Scientific Officer of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Honorary Strategic Advisor to the President of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID).

Earlier in her career, Anike practised as a general dentist before moving into international clinical trials.

A Certified Internal Auditor, Anike brings expertise in corporate strategy, governance, risk management, technology commercialisation, and innovation leadership. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Switzerland and is based in Switzerland.

University of Bristol

As of September 2026, Anike Te serves as Honorary Industrial Professor of Emerging Technologies and Applications at the University of Bristol. She works with senior academic leadership to support long-term strategy and emerging technologies, including engineering biology, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials.

From 2022 to 2026, she served as Aegis Professor of Engineering Biology, becoming the first Aegis Professor to be appointed jointly across the Faculties of Science & Engineering and Health & Life Sciences. During her tenure, she supported the translation of engineering biology into industrial applications and strengthened international strategic collaborations. She is the initiator and co-founder with the University of Bristol of the Synthetic and Engineering Biology British-Swiss Summit Series SynBio Summit – 2024 & 2025, Bristol & London. She served on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Bristol Centre for Engineering Biology (BrisEngBio).

Honorary Professor of Sustainable Resources

Former Aegis Professor of Sustainable Resources

John works extensively in the highly topical area of 'Critical Minerals' across the full value chain including discovery of mineral resources using data science and geoscience, optimized recovery of minerals using new technologies, recovery of minerals and metals from mining waste, and mine closure and restoration.  John is interested in discussing both the challenges and solutions in these areas at a time when demand is increasing dramatically as a result of electrification, data centres, clean energy etc.

In addition to Aegis meetings, initiatives related to Early Career Researchers, and development of the Aegis Innovation Competition, John worked with the School of Earth Sciences. The latter included seminars, class lectures and development of an external network to support the School. One of the participants in the network initiative has now become an Aegis Professor - Fred Witham. John is still involved in the School of Earth Sciences as the Honorary Professor of Sustainable Resources and in this capacity he visits the School once or twice a year.