Judging Panel
An independent panel of recognised and expert leaders will determine the winners of the Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
We understand the importance of a fair and objective judging process. That's why we assemble a prestigious panel of industry leaders, renowned for their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise in the manufacturing industry.
Our selection process is meticulous. Judges are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and declare any potential conflicts of interest. Entries with conflicts are reassigned, ensuring complete impartiality.
This unwavering commitment to integrity is the foundation of our awards programme. Become a part of recognising industry excellence. If you're interested in joining the judging panel, email your details to judges@businessriver.com
2025 Judging Panel
Matt Cotterell (Judging Coordinator)
Head of School, Munster Technological University
Matt has supported the development and growth of full-time, part-time and apprenticeship education programmes across a wide range of engineering and manufacturing-related disciplines. VIEW MORE
John Cosgrove
Director of Smart Manufacturing, Technological University Shannon
Dr John Cosgrove is a lead researcher in Intelligent Systems and Digitalisation in Industry, and has been with TUS/LIT since 1998. With a background in electrical and automation engineering, John has worked on collaborative innovation development with industry for over 30 years. VIEW MORE
Barry Cox
Standards Development Manager, National Standards Authority Of Ireland (nsai)
Barry Cox, with a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering from Dublin City University, has been a Standard Development Manager at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) since 2019.Barry’s responsibilities include managing a portfolio of manufacturing committees. VIEW MORE
Jill Ellis
Senior Lecturer in Food Manufacturing, The National Centre for Food Manufacturing, University of Lincoln
Jill Ellis is a Senior Lecturer in Food Manufacturing at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), part of the University of Lincoln. With 20+ years' experience in product development, Jill is passionate about teaching essential skills to food industry apprentices and students. VIEW MORE
Guangbo Hao
Professor in Mechanical Engineering, University College Cork
Hao, Guangbo (Fellow of ASME) is a Professor in Mechanical Engineering with the School of Engineering and Architecture at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. He is the secretary of Irish Manufacturing Council. VIEW MORE
Rocco Lupoi
Associate Professor, School of Engineering -Trinity College Dublin
Rocco Lupoi is an Associate Professor in TCD within the School of Engineering. He is the co-founder of the Science and Technology in Advanced Manufacturing (STAM) research group, where he leads the additive manufacturing and coatings research topics. He has published over 190 papers in the area. VIEW MORE
Bernard Naughton
Assistant Professor, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin
Dr Naughton is an interdisciplinary researcher and Academic Director of the MSc in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology, at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Trinity College Dublin. His research and teaching focusses on medicine quality, and healthcare innovation. VIEW MORE
Joe O'Callaghan
Programme DIrector, UCC
Joe was Programme Director of the UCC Diploma in Food Manufacturing Management, and continues to teach on that programme. He also consults and lectures in a variety of areas relating to manufacturing and supply chain excellence in the Food, Pharma and other sectors. VIEW MORE
Morteza Tabatabaeipour
Assistant Professor, Ulster University
Dr. Morteza Tabatabaeipour is an Assistant Professor at Ulster University's School of Engineering, where he teaches and researches smart manufacturing technologies, including robotics, machine learning, structural health monitoring, non-destructive testing automation, and ultrasonics/acoustics. VIEW MORE
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