We are delighted to announce that Professor Fiona Clark will be joining us as a keynote speaker at this year’s IST Conference at the University of Liverpool on Tuesday 15th September.
Her career is defined by tenacity, versatility and an exceptional ability to listen — qualities that have shaped a long and brilliant journey in Electronic Warfare (EW) and systems engineering.
A Career Built on Challenge and Choice
An award-winning mathematician and systems engineer, Fiona began her professional journey in 1984 after graduating with a degree in mathematics. While many might see systems engineering as a natural progression for a mathematician, Fiona’s path was deliberate.
She chose to “put mathematics into practice” immediately, stepping into the role of systems engineer because it offered “more interesting challenges.” That decision marked the beginning of an extraordinary career with Leonardo.
Over four decades, she has worked across Simulation & Modelling, Customer Training, and Business Development. This breadth of experience reflects not only technical excellence, but adaptability — a hallmark of her leadership style.
Today, Fiona serves as Head of Capability (Electronic Warfare Sensors) at Leonardo’s Luton site, a recognised centre of excellence in EW. She leads the sensors investment portfolio, ensuring the development of the most appropriate and future-ready equipment for the next generation.
Her role is multi-faceted. She works closely with development teams throughout equipment design, attends trials as a trusted “critical friend,” supports laboratory and aircraft demonstrations, and collaborates with Sales teams to provide customer-focused technical expertise — sometimes travelling internationally to deepen high-level technical discussions.
Thriving in Complexity
Electronic Warfare demands precision, resilience and calm under pressure. Early in her career, Fiona found herself working with highly demanding military customers on complex programmes — while still a young engineer.
Her approach?
“A positive attitude! With a bit of tenacity and adaptability…”
It is this combination of confidence, technical depth and openness to dialogue that has enabled her to deliver the right technical solutions in even the most demanding circumstances.
One of her most memorable projects was modelling and optimising a towed radar decoy for the Tornado aircraft — work that required both analytical rigour and creative improvisation.
More recently, she has contributed to innovations including the SAGE ESM (Electronic Support Measure) surveillance system, designed to protect aircraft through small size, high performance and flexibility — making it suitable for a wide range of fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms.
A Recognised Leader and Role Model
In February 2024, Fiona received the WISE Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising both her professional excellence and her long-standing commitment to STEM outreach.
The judging panel described her as:
“An inspiring example of a role model who actively demonstrates how a woman can rise to senior levels in an organisation without sacrificing her motivating values. Using respect and kindness, Fiona senses when someone is struggling, and takes the time to have a coffee with them and offer support.”
Her leadership is grounded not only in technical authority, but in humanity. She listens. She supports. She leads by example.
Beyond Electronic Warfare
Versatility does not end at the office door.
Outside work, Fiona switches off from the world of EW through music — playing piano and oboe, and singing with her local swing band.
“It’s such a joy to be part of a band and play live music!”
This balance of intellectual rigour and creative passion mirrors the qualities she brings into her professional life: discipline, adaptability and energy.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Keynote
Professor Fiona Clark’s keynote promises insight into:
- A four-decade journey through defence and advanced systems engineering
- The evolution of Electronic Warfare capability
- Leadership through tenacity and listening
- Navigating complex programmes and demanding stakeholders
- The importance of adaptability in long technical careers
As she reflects:
“No day is the same as the last in Leonardo — an exciting company that excels in creating first-class solutions to complex problems. We are designing and developing capabilities that will be protecting those who protect us for decades to come.”
This is an opportunity to hear from a leader who has not only shaped technology, but helped shape the profession itself.
Join Us at IST Conference 2026
University of Liverpool on Tuesday 15th September
To learn more about the full conference programme and to secure your place, visit:
istonline.org.uk/conference-2026
We look forward to welcoming you — and to hearing from Professor Fiona Clark in what promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking keynote.