Rate My Professor David Flynn

Professor David Flynn is Professor of Cyber Physical Systems in the James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow, a position he has held since joining the institution in 2022. In this role, he heads the Research Division for Autonomous Systems and Connectivity and co-founded the Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy. He also supports the leadership of three National EPSRC Research Hubs and the EPSRC Centre of Doctoral Training in Robotics and AI for Net Zero Infrastructure (RAINZ). Prior appointments include Honorary Professor at Heriot-Watt University and Eminent Overseas Professor at Nagasaki University. Flynn's academic background includes a BEng (Hons) with First Class in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (2002), an MSc with Distinction in Microsystems (2003), and a PhD in Microscale Magnetic Components (2007), all obtained from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

Flynn's research focuses on Cyber Physical Systems, data and digitalisation, energy systems, autonomous systems, reliability analysis, prognostics and health management, and digital twinning, with applications in critical infrastructure, energy networks, medical technologies, and manufacturing. He has authored over 250 peer-reviewed papers, holds several patents, established industrial innovation centres, and founded new companies. Key publications include "Blockchain technology in the energy sector: a systematic review of challenges and opportunities" (2019, with Valentin Robu et al.), "Responsive FLEXibility: a smart local energy system" (2023, with Benoit Couraud et al.), and "Lessons learned: symbiotic autonomous robot ecosystem for nuclear environments" (2023, with D. Mitchell et al.). His contributions have earned him prestigious awards such as the Interface Knowledge Exchange Champion of the Year (2020), Rushlight Innovation Award, IET Leslie H. Paddle Prize, IET Information Technology Innovation of the Year (2019), and Global Innovation of the Year (2019). A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh since 2023, Flynn chairs the IET Scotland, serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Access and IET Robotics and Cyber Physical Systems, and advises on engineering policy for the UK and Scottish Governments. He holds independent board positions at SP Energy Networks and Cadent, and is a TUV SUD Associate for autonomous systems and data analysis in critical infrastructure.