The Bristol-based Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS), a not-for-profit specialist in digital-engineering capability, has announced a new appointment to support the delivery of a number of strategic projects.

James Osborne, who joins as technology programmes manager, will work closely with chief technology officer Ian Risk to oversee both commercial and funded projects — as well as CFMS-specific activity for the new centre for Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation (DETI) project.

A systems engineer by trade, Dr Osborne has spent much of his career working in the space industry, most recently with Inmarsat (the mobile satellite communications company).

In 2018, he led a multi-disciplinary research team as part of an international joint venture that developed and demonstrated novel technologies for future satellite communication systems.

After more than 20 years in the space industry, he went on to work as the head of systems engineering for SVGC Ltd, which provides government and industry support for through-life capability management and generic capability management.

Professor Risk said (www.cfms.org.uk): “We are delighted to welcome Dr Osborne to the team. Not only is he a talented engineer; he also has a range of business experience that will be vital in establishing DETI and supporting the growth of CFMS through an expanding collaborative research portfolio.

"His knowledge and career history make him perfectly placed to support us at this critical time.”

DETI is a research, innovation and skills initiative that will develop and accelerate digital engineering across multiple industry sectors to benefit future generations of engineers and engineering products and to help tackle global challenges.

Supporting the region’s local industrial strategy, the West of England Combined Authority recently announced a £5 million investment in DETI to match-fund £5 million from West of England industry and academic partners.