Our Staff

Director: Dr Mark Begbie

Dr Mark Begbie has a degree in Physics and Electronics from St. Andrews University and a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where his thesis focused on the development of liquid crystal over VLSI silicon spatial light modulators and their application in optical data processing. Mark joined ISLI in September 2003, to extend the reach of the Institute into the field of silicon MEMS, including integration with CMOS electronics. He is passionate about the role of new and emerging technologies and applications in economic development and sees ISLI as a key bridge organisation able to support the creation of economic value from technological knowledge.

Mark has several patents in MEMS devices and processes for optical communications in the UK, EU and Worldwide. His most recent patent success being in the field of MEMS for application to microphones. This formed a significant part of the purchase portfolio of a pre-IPO start-up by an internationally recognised corporation.

Chairman: Michael Kay

Michael Kay began his career within the computer manufacturing and medical science industries from 1970 before moving to Motorola as Applications Manager for Microprocessors at East Kilbride in 1979. Based mainly in Scotland, Michael conducted extensive customer and project work in Europe, the USA and Asia. He has supported R&D programmes with both Scottish Universities and Industry and in particular with the ISLI on the Alba Campus, where Michael has been a Member of the ISLI Board of Directors since 2000.

Throughout his career Michael has been responsible for a host of new engineering and business initiatives, most notably as the founder and Managing Director of the Motorola Technology Centre in Scotland.