About

I design and build complex software systems, helping organisations turn ambitious, messy ideas into reliable, working platforms. I help research institutes, science infrastructure projects, and technically complex organisations navigate the AI transition, bringing senior technical leadership without a full-time hire.

Over the course of my career I’ve worked with startups, financial institutions, news organisations, governments, and large international research collaborations. My speciality is mission-critical software: things that genuinely have to work, from life-saving medical systems and secure messaging platforms to high-performance video infrastructure and open source tools used by organisations across the world.

Right now, I lead the development of scientific research infrastructure across Europe, working alongside some of the world’s leading structural biologists. That means building systems for large-scale collaboration, improving data interoperability, and making research outputs more accessible and reusable, including through AI-driven approaches in areas like drug discovery. I’ve also contributed to several EU Open Data initiatives, including work that supported the global COVID-19 pandemic response, and have spoken at international conferences.

I’ve been the technical lead of Elgg, a widely adopted open source social networking platform used by universities, governments, and companies worldwide, and have contributed to the Known platform, exploring decentralised social publishing and IndieWeb technologies.

Lately I’ve been exploring how AI-assisted development can dramatically reduce the cost of building and experimenting with software, and what that means for the kinds of projects that are now within reach.

Outside of work I tend to collect hobbies like precious shinies. These currently include martial arts (Judo, Krav Maga, Capoeira, and BJJ), powerlifting, archery, climbing, blacksmithing, motorcycle riding, rock music, and occasionally flying light aircraft.

WORK WITH ME

I’m based in the UK and work remotely across Europe and the US. I take on a small number of engagements at any one time to ensure quality. If you’re not sure whether your situation is a fit, just ask!