Organisers

Seán Ó Fithcheallaigh

PhD Researcher, School of Computing, Ulster University.

Seán is a PhD Researcher within the Pervasive Computing Research Centre (PCRC), specialising in Federated Learning (FL) with a focus on developing trustworthy FL frameworks for sensor networks and IoT devices. He is also a researcher with the BT Ireland Innovation Centre (BTIIC), where he works on IoT Autonomics. With over a decade of experience in electronics and software engineering, including developing next-generation application-specific IoT sensors, he brings first-hand understanding of the practical constraints and opportunities that shape AI deployment at the edge.

Contact: o_fithcheallaigh-s@ulster.ac.uk

Dr Ian Cleland

Reader/Research Director, School of Computing, Ulster University.

Ian is a Reader in the School of Computing at Ulster University, where he serves as Research Director. His work focuses on applied AI, machine learning, and intelligent sensing technologies. He has over 15 years’ experience developing real-world AI systems across healthcare and digital innovation. Ian’s research interests include Edge AI, sensor-based activity recognition, wearable and embedded technologies, and the use of synthetic data to support data-driven modelling. He is particularly interested in how AI can move closer to the edge to enable scalable, privacy-aware, and real-time intelligent systems. He received degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science from Ulster University and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed research papers in AI, digital health, and health informatics. Ian has contributed to over £20M in externally funded research projects, including major collaborations with industry through initiatives such as the Connected Health Innovation Centre (CHIC) and the PwC Advanced Engineering and Research Centre (ARC).

Dr Jose Santos

Deputy Head of School of Computing, Ulster University

Dr Jose A. Santos (PhD, SFHEA) is Deputy Head of the School of Computing at Ulster University’s Belfast campus. With a background in Electronic Engineering and over two decades of academic and research experience, his research interest focuses on developing intelligent, sensor‑driven systems that monitor and improve the environmental conditions people experience in homes, workplaces and public buildings. His work explores how IoT‑based sensing platforms, combined with machine learning models, can provide continuous, fine‑grained insights into indoor and outdoor pollutant levels, ventilation effectiveness, heat distribution and personal comfort requirements. He is particularly interested in fusing heterogeneous sensor streams to create adaptive, real‑time control mechanisms that mitigate poor air quality, optimise thermal comfort and reduce energy waste. His research aims to deliver practical, human‑centred solutions that enhance wellbeing, support independent living and inform healthier building design through predictive analytics, environmental modelling and autonomous intervention technologies.