RSA x UWTSD Innovation Lecture

Join students, academic staff and professionals to consider trends in innovation practice within the field of technology and science.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and the Royal Society of Arts, which promotes arts, manufactures, and commerce through innovation and social change, are hosting the second in a new Innovation Lecture Series for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Industry Speaker: Ben Altwasser - Head of Research & Technology, Safran S.A. (Cwmbran)

Ben Altwasser leads Research & Technology at Safran Seats, driving innovation in aircraft seating. A First-Class MEng graduate from Bristol, he has contributed to advancements across aerospace, medical, and manufacturing sectors, including 3D printing and robotics. At Safran, he oversees technology strategy, expert team development, and multimillion-pound R&D portfolios.

Academic Speaker: Dr Andrew Killen Senior Research & Innovation Fellow, University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Andrew is a Fellow at the Wales Institute of Science and Art, with an MEng and EngD. He leads interdisciplinary industrial research in mechanical design, materials characterisation, and digital manufacturing. His work promotes sustainable design, circular-economy materials, and Industry 4.0 innovation, As a lead academic Andrew is also actively involved in the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme.  

This quarterly series brings together thought leaders, academics, and industry experts to explore the role of innovation across diverse sectors, with all events taking place in Swansea and live-streamed for wider audiences.

The series will focus on the following themes:· Autumn 2025: Innovation in Health and Welfare· Winter 2026: Innovation in Technology and Science· Spring 2026: Innovation in the Manufacturing Sector· Summer 2026: Innovation in the Creative IndustriesAttendance is free, but spaces are limited. Each lecture will be livestreamed so we will welcome audiences from across Wales as well as in person at our Swansea campus. There will be time for questions and discussion at each one, hosted by Alan Mumby, RSA Fellow and Lecturer in Innovation Management at UWTSD.

About the RSA Founded in 1754, the RSA has a long history of promoting innovation across arts, manufactures, and commerce. Today, the RSA continues to inspire and support initiatives that foster a resilient, rebalanced, and regenerative future for people, places, and the planet.Similarly, the university founded in 1882, the birthplace of higher education in Wales, aims to transform education and by doing so transform lives for the benefit of the learners, employers and communities we serve by investing in innovation both academically and through its direct and collaborative support of Welsh organisations and companies.

Taking part in RSA in-person events

To participate in this event, you will need to register for a ticket so that we can manage capacity. Our events are frequently oversubscribed so if you are subsequently unable to attend, please cancel your Eventbrite booking so we can make room for others on the Wait List.

Taking part in Online Events

For our interactive online events, the RSA uses the platforms Zoom or Circle. It may be necessary to follow a short set-up process so please allow time for this ahead of the event starting. Zoom call joining details will be sent via email in advance of the event.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

At the RSA, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all Fellows. We ask that you fill out the accessibility requirements box in your Eventbrite booking form in advance of our events to ensure that we can accommodate such requirements.

Join Circle and connect with others who attend this event

Join Circle, the RSA’s community platform, to stay up to date on the latest events, connect with Fellows across the world, and engage with the RSA Design for Life mission. To get started on Circle, you need to have a My RSA account. If you already have a My RSA account, your account details will be the same for Circle.

Data and Personal Information

By registering for this event you consent to receiving communications about this event, both before and after, and you agree to the sharing of your name, organisation & title with the Fellow(s) and/or partner organisation(s) hosting this event. Attendees also agree to the sharing of their name and organisation with other delegates at the event so that they might contact you. If you do not wish this information to be shared, please let us know by emailing: fellowship@rsa.org.uk.

Please note that filming/photography may take place at this event for promotional and archival purposes. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let us know by contacting fellowship@rsa.org.uk.

The information you provide when registering for an event will be retained by the RSA and will be used to record attendance at the event. To understand more about how the RSA uses your data, please see our Privacy Policy.

Please be aware that registrations will close two hours before the event is due to start.