Dr Robert Akersis is Director of Computing Programmes and Senior Fellow at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). He is a senior leader in mission computing, AI, and digital engineering, with more than 30 years’ experience spanning fusion science, simulation, high-performance computing, and digital transformation. He is responsible for shaping UKAEA’s advanced computing strategy, establishing AI, HPC and digital engineering as core enablers of fusion delivery and as platforms for wider UK innovation and economic growth.
Over the past decade, Rob has built and led a major portfolio of programmes and partnerships spanning academia, government, industry, national laboratories, and technology companies. His work covers exascale computing, AI for science, digital twins, engineering simulation and national-scale compute infrastructure, with a strong focus on turning emerging technologies into practical capability for complex engineering challenges. He is particularly interested in methods that can transform how complex systems are designed, modelled, and delivered.