Keynote Speaker  I

                                                                                                                                                                 Dragan Jovcic, FIEEE

                                                                                                                             University of Aberdeen, UK

Title: DC Transmission Grids: Topology, Components, Modelling, Control and Protection Challenges

Bio:Professor Dragan Jovcic obtained a Diploma Engineer degree in Control Engineering from the University of Belgrade, Serbia in 1993 and a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Auckland, New Zealand in 1999. Since 2000 he has been an academic in UK, and since 2012 a chaired professor with University of Aberdeen. In 2008 he held a visiting professor post at McGill University, Canada.Prof Jovcic is fellow of IEEE, fellow of IET, and IEEE PES Distinguished Lecturer.He is editor of IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery and IEEE Access.

Professor Jovcic is a member of CIGRE, has been chairman of B4.76 and member of 5 other working groups (B4.52, B4.58, B4.64, B4.80, B4.84). He is founder and director of Aberdeen HVDC research centre where he has managed significant volume of externally funded research projects. Prof Jovcic has around 160 publications and he is author of a book on HVDC: “High Voltage Direct Current Transmission: Converters, Systems and DC Grids”, Wiley, 2015.

Keynote Speaker  II

                                                                                                                                         Xiaolin Ding

                                                                                                                                      National Grid, UK

Title: Powering the Electrified Future: Grid Perspectives on Transport Electrification and Energy Storage

Bio:Dr Xiaolin Ding is a Chartered Engineer (IET) and Power Quality and Dynamic Performance Manager at National Grid Electricity Transmission. She brings over 20 years of experience in power systems, with extensive expertise in network modelling, power system analysis, power quality, and system dynamics.

She has led the development of design solutions for inverter-based resources (IBRs) and demand connections, and has managed a substantial portfolio of power system innovation projects. Her work has delivered innovative solutions that support the transition to net zero through close collaboration with industry, academia, and key stakeholders across the energy sector. She currently leads power quality and dynamic performance activities for the NGET network, ensuring connection compliance while safeguarding power quality and the stability of the transmission system in both operation and future network planning.

Dr Xiaolin Ding is an active contributor to the global electrical engineering community. She serves on several CIGRE working groups and is an IET mentor, collaborating with international experts to address complex technical challenges, shape industry best practice, and support the development of future engineering talent.

Panel

                                                                                                                                                                       Liana Cipcigan

                                                                                                                                Cardiff University

Panel Discussion: Challenges in the Transition to Road Transport Electrification

Chair: Liana Cipcigan, Professor of Transport Electrification and Smart Grids, Cardiff University