Mr Paul O'Brien

Paul O’Brien has over 25 years experience in industrial R&D, digital transformation and telecommunications. As Director of AI, cybersecurity and operations research at BT, he leads a multi-award winning global team applying smart technologies to telecom networks and services. His lab has successfully deployed AI technologies across BT and created one of the largest AI patent portfolios in the UK.  Paul's career spans many roles including, development, technology venturing and start-ups, managing international research collaborations, chairing standards committees and leading BT’s patent team.  Paul is a board member of the Institute for Telecommunications Professionals and a member of the EPSRC Digital Security & Resilience Advisory Group. He holds degrees from University College London, London School of Economics, Essex University and Hertfordshire University.  As part of the RAEng grant, Paul is supporting the School of Computing at Ulster University in; revalidating their undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum; providing insight on industry, innovation and entrepreneurship to students; and advising on how the school can maximise the use of their new university campus in Belfast.