Annual parliamentary event thanks leading academics, policymakers and tech giants for their work to promote the UK as a major digital economy
Date: 28 December 2022
Professor Bal Virdee joined parliamentarians from both Houses and all parties, as well as industry leaders at the annual Parliamentary Internet, Communications and Technology Forum (PICTFOR) dinner at the House of Lords on 24 December 2022.
Professor Virdee was invited to attend in recognition of his involvement with the group’s work. Keynote speakers at the event included Paul Scully MP Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy; Alexandra Davies-Jones MP, Shadow Minister for Tech Gambling and the Digital Economy; David Black, Senior Director at Google UK; Elaine Quinn, Director of Corporate Affairs at Nominet; and Helen Milner OBE, CEO of the Good Things Foundation.
A key focus of Professor Virdee’s work is in the area of microwave wireless communications encompassing 5G Mobile phones to satellite technology. He has supervised several PhD research students to completion and is currently supervising five PhDs. He has published over a hundred peer reviewed papers, including journal papers. Not only that, but he has also co-authored a book entitled Broadband Microwave Amplifiers, published by Artech House in Sept. 2004. In recognition of his research activities, he has been invited on several occasions to chair sessions at international conferences.
“I’m very honoured to be involved with PICTFOR. It is a unique forum that brings together key decision makers in the spirit of collaboration to ensure that the UK strengthens its position as a leading digital economy,” commented Professor Virdee.
Also, present at the dinner were representatives from across the tech sector, including Annalect, Harbottle & Lewis, Jisc, McKesson, Opollo Technologies, Gamma, Ukie - The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Bumble, Veremark, Tech Against Terrorism, Carnegie UK, UCL, Online Dating Association, Moneypenny, CACI Ltd, Duolingo, The Coalition for a Digital Economy (Coadec), Coding Black Females, Juberi Group, CityFibre, CyLon, SAP, WE Communications, Sky, OpenUK, Meta, techUK, Access Partnership and Age Verification Providers Association.
The dinner was sponsored by Google, Nominet and Good Things Foundation.
