Corporate Governance,
Strategic Development & AI

Professor Pietro Liò is a Full Professor at the University of Cambridge, specialising in Computational Biology and a member of the Artificial Intelligence group. He holds an MA from Cambridge, a PhD in Complex Systems and Non-Linear Dynamics from the University of Firenze, and a PhD in Theoretical Genetics from the University of Pavia.

His research focuses on using AI and machine learning to develop models that integrate multi-scale biological and clinical data to address personalised and precision medicine. He is particularly interested in Graph Neural Networks, AI-based medical digital twins, and decision support systems.

He is a Fellow at Clare Hall College, a member of the Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, ELLIS, and the Academia Europaea. He also teaches Geometric Deep Learning and serves on several key committees, including the MPhil in Computational Biology programme.

Dr. Alex Smeets is the founder of Cambridge Innovation Solutions and Cambridge Funding Solutions, offering consultancy services to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and universities. He is an Associate of Cambridge Enterprise, where he contributes to its International Outreach Programme, helping global institutions learn from the Cambridge Phenomenon.

Alex is also affiliated with St John’s Innovation Centre, supporting early-stage knowledge-based businesses, and is a registered Growth Coach for the UK GrowthAccelerator service. With a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Cambridge, he has a background in R&D before transitioning to innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge commercialisation.

Having had a successful career as an investment banker & trader, Mark Anderson has built a global reputation as a consultant and ‘trouble-shooter’ for businesses, particularly those with Anti- Money Laundering, Financial Crime & HR-related issues. Mark has worked with Governments and quasi-Governmental institutions worldwide as well as some of the world’s leading financial institutions. His recent projects have included setting up HR divisions, working on offshoring projects and successfully training thousands of staff globally to spot and eradicate money laundering & financial crime.

Ashlee Stetser has academically achieved an Oxford Masters in Diplomatic Studies, a Master’s in International Relations, a graduate law degree and membership of the bar in the United States. Her practical experience includes working for USAID-funded grant on environmental impact assessment laws in Cambodia, China, and Myanmar and managing freedom of expression issues in the Middle East.
Ashlee teaches at Professional Development Programmes and conducts admissions interviews at Homerton College, University of Cambridge.

Yvonne Lardner is a strategic communications leader with over 15 years of experience in brand management and corporate communications across the UK and international markets. She has held senior roles in media and marketing, including serving as Head of Group Communications at Engine UK.​

Currently pursuing a PhD in Organisational Sociology at the University of Cambridge, Yvonne's research focuses on leadership, identity, and race, particularly examining the experiences of Black professionals in corporate settings. She is also an Associate Research Fellow at Cambridge Judge Business School, contributing to initiatives on minority-owned businesses and ESG storytelling.​

Yvonne holds an MSc in Biomimicry from Arizona State University and a Master's in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge. She actively mentors social ventures and is passionate about leveraging communication strategies to drive social impact and organisational change.​