Shama is a scientist, artist, creative technologist and inter-disciplinarian practitioner.  She has an interdisciplinary PhD researching the ‘Complex Neuroscientific Systems of Creative Cognition’, investigating emergent neural patterns with statistical physics, experimental psychophysics and design, cognitive neuroscience, and neurophilosophy. She is the Artistic Director/Founder of award-winning art/science creative production company Jugular Productions – ‘Joining The Head and The Heart’ – with a vision to showcase and develop rich interactions between cutting-edge science and newly commissioned creative live experiences such as cross-disciplinary salons, immersive performances, interactive installations, and educational workshops. She is the CEO/Founder of NeuroCreate, Top 100 UK ‘Ones to Watch’ Creative-Tech companies. They are developing the FlowCreate™ Innovator, an AI-powered creative collaborator. The Innovator sparks human creativity by inspiring, expanding and analysing ideas for creative professionals.

Alfredo is one of the leading names in co-creation. He has studied and tested the benefits of co-creation in the creative industries with his own brand AWAYTOMARS, a collaborative network for design talent with the objectives of promoting co-creation, advancing creativity and striving for a more inclusive fashion industry. Since its launch in 2015, AWAYTOMARS has been highlighted within the industry for its innovative uses of technology. It now comprises more than fifteen thousand registered designers from 90 countries, making it the biggest fashion collective in the world.

Alfredo holds a degree in International Relations and Economics and has also studied luxury and fashion brand management. During the last 12 years he worked in management, marketing, communications, innovation and digital intelligence, also working as a consultant for major companies and brands such as Bentley, Burberry, Coach, Tory Burch, Latam Airlines, Accor, Estée Lauder, GM, Lexus, Honda, Volkswagen, Whirlpool, Swarovski, Pandora, Embraer, Diageo, Pernod-Ricard, Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson and Coca Cola.

Jane draws upon over 25 years experience in transdisciplinary research, with a background in textile design and extensive experience of computer graphic imaging.  Jane’s role includes working with internal and external stakeholders including industry partners, up to Government Ministerial level.

Jane devised novel approaches to the digital representation of dress and textiles. With a track record of leading collaborative industry and academic research and development initiatives, involving cross disciplinary creative industry practitioners. Jane’s experience includes board-level representation in sector-leading organisations such as the Victoria & Albert Museum and advisory roles for the EU, EPSRC, AHRC, ACE and Arts Foundation. She is Director of Research and Innovation (Stratford) and Professor of Digital Design & Innovation at University of the Arts London. Core skills and competences include:

• Strategic leadership and project direction
• Design research in digital and material cultures
• CGI for fashion and textiles
• Knowledge Exchange