
Led by Design HOPES, and in partnership with BioDundee and the Tay Cities Digital Ecosystem, this unique event unites leaders across healthcare, sustainability, design, and digital innovation. Discover pioneering Tayside projects advancing sustainable healthcare and health-tech, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and grow your network in Tayside’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. Plus, enjoy the opportunity to network and visit the inspiring Design HOPES V&A exhibition ‘How can design help us live healthier lives, for people and planet?’.
Secure your spot today to be part of this dynamic, multi-sector gathering. Advance booking required, limited tickets.
10:15–10:30: Event welcome, registration & networking
10:30 –11:10: Welcome and Panel discussion
Chair: Professor Mel Woods, University of Dundee
Professor Mike MacDonald, University of Dundee
Dr Chris Lim, University of Dundee
Cheryl Torano, Abertay cyberQuarter
Steven Elder, Systal Technology Solutions
11:10 –11:25 Group discussion
11:25 – 11:30 Session reflections and closing remarks
11:30 –12:00 Networking & opportunity to visit the Design HOPES exhibition
This event is free to attend but registration is necessary, please click here to register for the event.
Biographies

Professor Mike MacDonald
Mike MacDonald is the co-lead of Tay Health Tech, leading the place specific aspects of the project. He is chair of Biomedical Photonics, Deputy Dean and Associate Dean Research for the School of Science at the University of Dundee. He is a member of the executive group of the Medical Devices Manufacturing Centre, a management group member of the TayMed Connect and a steering group member of BioDundee. Prof MacDonald is an internationally recognised pioneer in his field, whose top 10 published works have an average of over 480 citations each. He joined Dundee in 2007 from the University of St Andrews, received his MSc (1998) and PhD (2000) in Laser Physics at the University of Bern and his BSc from the University of Strathclyde in 1996.
“I am working on this project to bring Scottish solutions to solve health challenges Tayside that can in turn have impact globally.”
Professor Mel Woods
Professor Mel Woods is Chair of Creative Intelligence. Her research interests are at the intersection of creativity, technology, action-research and social innovation. She has sustained a critical enquiry into how data and technology can support decision-making and change in response to societal challenges, most recently through environmental monitoring and citizen science.
Dr Chris Lim
Chris is a design educator, researcher and designer. He lectures across product design, inclusive design (which includes human-centred design) and interaction design subjects at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD).
As Programme Director for Product Design (Undergraduate 2016 – 2020) he had the privilege of leading the programme to a number 1 ranking by the Guardian University Guide (2018). He is currently the Director for the Design for Healthcare (MSc) programme, a course which he co-developed with colleagues from DJCAD, School of Medicine and School of Health Sciences. This course, a partnership between the internationally recognised School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences and School of Art and Design (DJCAD), and the first-of-its kind in Scotland and 2nd in the UK, aims to transform healthcare and the lives of people through human-centred design, health design thinking and practice.
Cheryl Torano
Cheryl Torano is an ethical hacker and cybersecurity professional. She currently works as Business Development Manager for the Abertay cyberQuarter where she supports the growth of the cyberQuarter, their partners and the wider Tayside Ecosystem.
Cheryl graduated from Abertay’s Ethical Hacking programme in 2017 having undertaken an accelerated BSc Hons degree. Prior to that she studied HND Computer Networking and Internet Technology at Dundee and Angus College.
Following graduation, she took up a role with Brightsolid as a Cybersecurity Engineer. During this time, she completed an MBA in Business Administration in Cybersecurity.
Cheryl is on the Scottish Women in Cyber committee, chapter lead for the and Ladies of Dundee Hacking Society, and a key member in the Scottish Cyber Cluster. Most recently, Cheryl took on the role as chairperson for the Tay Cities Digital Ecosystem Group.

Steven Elder
Steven Elder is a distinguished professional in the cyber security field, with extensive experience in enhancing security solutions and forging strategic partnerships. Currently, as a Business Development Partner at Systal Technology Solutions, Steven focuses on advancing cyber security offerings and expanding market reach. His career began at BT, where he gained invaluable experience in SOC operations and threat intelligence, leading a global initiative to connect BT’s SOCs with real-time threat intelligence.
Steven has also held roles such as a Cyber Security Manager, where he assisted customers across the UK Public Sector and Defence sectors. At Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd., Steven assisted key public sector accounts, delivering bespoke security solutions. In addition to his work at Systal, Steven serves as a Non-Executive Director at Hillcrest, contributing strategic insights to support organisational growth. His dedication to innovation and leadership in cyber security makes him a valuable asset in enhancing organisational security postures.