After 30 years in telecommunications with Telefonica, Dr Mike Short joined the UK Department for International Trade as its first Chief Scientific Adviser in December 2017. His role is to ensure policy is informed by the best science, engineering and technical advice, working with the UK’s research, innovation and academic communities to boost scientific and engineering exports. Earlier in his career he managed the launch of 2G (GSM) and 3G mobile technologies in the UK, and went on to lead international research, innovation and standards for Telefonica.

His career includes the promotion of international technical standards, and he is a former chair of the Global GSM Association, the UK Mobile Data Association, and was president of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (one of IBC’s partners) in 2011/12. His is a visiting professor at the Universities of Surrey, Coventry, Leeds and Salford, and he was honoured with a CBE in 2012 for his services to the mobile industry.