The Blockchain Technology Lab (BTL) hosted the “Advances in Blockchain Technology Scotland” webinar on September 30, 2020, in collaboration with the Bayes Centre. This half-day event aimed to showcase the cutting-edge blockchain research being conducted at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK.

Led by Prof Aggelos Kiayias, Chair of Cyber Security and Privacy at the University of Edinburgh, the BTL is widely recognised as the UK’s most influential blockchain laboratory for its fundamental research. Prof Kiayias and his team of researchers focus on various aspects of blockchain and distributed ledger technology, collaborating extensively within the university and on a national and international level to push the boundaries of this field.

During the webinar, members of the University of Edinburgh blockchain research community presented their research findings in the domains of security, privacy, regulation, design, and programming. The event also featured two keynote talks. The first keynote was delivered by Charles Hoskinson, the founder of R&D company IOHK, which played a significant role in the establishment of the BTL in 2017. Charles discussed his collaboration with Prof Kiayias, particularly highlighting the extensive efforts behind the development of the Cardano system. The second keynote speaker, Dale Chrystie, Business Fellow and Blockchain Strategist at FedEx, led a session on blockchain in industry, offering unique insights into the technology’s application. Throughout the afternoon, the speakers addressed questions from the attendees, and the event concluded with a networking session.

The ABT-Scotland webinar received an overwhelming response, with more than 260 registrations and 150 participants in attendance.

To access the PDF agenda, click here

To watch the recorded webinar, please refer to the video below.

Acknowledgements

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the speakers, organisers, webinar participants, and generous funding support for their invaluable contributions in making this event a resounding success. Without their dedication and involvement, this event would not have been possible. Thank you for your tremendous efforts and commitment to advancing the field of blockchain technology.

Speakers 

Mirjam Wester – Senior Project Manager & Researcher, Blockchain Technology Lab, University of Edinburgh/IOHK

Michael Rovatsos – Director of Bayes & Deputy VP of Research in AI, University of Edinburgh

Aggelos Kiayias – Chair in Cyber Security and Privacy & Director of the Blockchain Technology Lab, University of Edinburgh

Markulf Kohlweiss – Senior Lecturer in Security and Privacy & Deputy Director of the Blockchain Technology Lab, University of Edinburgh

Emilios Avgouleas – Chair in Banking Law, School of Law, University of Edinburgh

Philip Wadler – Chair of Theoretical Computer Science, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh

Chris Speed – Chair in Design Informatics, University of Edinburgh

Ahmed El-Rayis – Business Development Manager, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh

Aikaterini-Panagiota Stouka – PhD student, University of Edinburgh

Orfeas Litos – PhD student, University of Edinburgh

Dimitris Karakostas – PhD student, University of Edinburgh

Thomas Kerber – PhD student, University of Edinburgh

Charles Hoskinson (Keynote 1) – CEO and Founder of IOHK

Dale Chrystie (Keynote 2) – Business Fellow and Blockchain Strategist at FedEx

Evangelos Pappas – CEO at Ocyan

Paul Roach – CTO at Zumo

Dinis Guarda – CEO and Founder of Ztudium

Duncan Johnston-Watt – CEO and Co-Founder of BTP

Organisers

Gareth Beedham – Senior Administrative Secretary (BTL) & PA to Prof Aggelos Kiayias, University of Edinburgh

Ahmed El-Rayis – Business Development Manager, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh

Ronnie Johnston – Events and Communications Manager, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh

Iain Muheim – Secretary & Administrator, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh

Craig Skeldon – Business Development Manager, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh

Lee Wilson – Director of Innovation Partnerships, Bayes Centre, University of Edinburgh

Webinar support 

Andy Ashton – Webinar Experts

Lev Cribb – Webinar Experts

Catriona Elliot – Webinar Experts

Thom Gornall – Webinar Experts

David Harrison – Webinar Experts

Funding support

Jim Ashe – Director of Commercialisation & Industry Engagement, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh

 

Oct 4, 2020