Edward Curry is the Established Professor of Data Science and Director of the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics and Data Science Institute at the University of Galway. Edward has made substantial contributions to semantic technologies, incremental data management, event processing middleware, software engineering, as well as distributed systems and information systems. He combines strong theoretical results with high-impact practical applications. The excellence and impact of his research have been acknowledged by numerous awards, including best paper awards and the University of Galway President's Award for Societal Impact in 2017. His team's technology enables intelligent systems for smart environments in collaboration with several industrial partners. He is organiser and programme co-chair of major international conferences, including CIKM 2020, ECML 2018, IEEE Big Data Congress, ESWC 2025, and European Big Data Value Forum. Edward is co-founder and elected Vice President of the Big Data Value Association (BDVA) and the AI, Data and Robotics Association (Adra). He has built consensus on a joint European research and innovation agendas and influenced European data and AI innovation policy to deliver on the agendas. In 2023 his contributions to the European research and innovation ecosystem was recognised with the Science Foundation Ireland Best International Engagement Award. He is a member of the Data Architecture & Technical Committee of the Irish Government Data Goverance Board.

Emanuel is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the digital sector. As CEO and other leadership positions at MITA, Malta's ICT Agency, his strategic leadership has enabled the modernisation of public services through numerous digital policies, strategies and implementations. Emanuel has held key positions, such as Chief Information Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, where he enhanced digital infrastructure, improved digital services and cybersecurity, and fostered innovation. His influence extends to various committees on digital technologies and data, driving significant policy advancements. His career spans both public and private sectors, locally and internationally. Emanuel holds an Electrical Engineering degree and an MA in Creativity and Innovation from the University of Malta, along with an MBA from Henley Management College, UK. Emanuel's extensive experience, strategic leadership, and strong academic background make him a thought leader in the digital sector, adding value to digitalisation discussions.

Petra De Sutter was sworn in on the 1st October 2020 as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Enterprises, Public Administration, Telecommunication and Postal Services under Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. After a long career as a gynaecologist and fertility expert, she entered politics in 2014, as a member of the Flemish green party Groen, motivated by the desire to combat the use of harmful substances in everyday environments. In the Belgian Senate and the Council of Europe, De Sutter championed women's sexual and reproductive health and rights, and tackled bio-ethical questions, including surrogacy and commercial egg donation. She is committed to a socially equitable Europe, and to improving the rights and protections of refugees and the LGBTI community. In 2019, De Sutter was elected to the European Parliament as the leading candidate for her party Groen. She was a member in the Committee on the Environment and Public Health, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, and was the first Green Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. As Minister responsible for Public Enterprises, Public Administration, Telecommunication and Postal Services De Sutter will focus on the challenges of digitalization and sustainability. The importance of a strong and well-run state is indeed more important than ever during this period of COVID-19. As Deputy Prime Minister, De Sutter will also be responsible for the green agenda within wider government policy. Thanks to her expertise and integrity, she is respected and trusted across party lines