Dr. Duncan L. Hickman

Founder and Director of Tektonex Ltd, a company that specialises in sensor design, processing, and performance modelling for defence and security systems. Recent projects include the development of an FPGA-based multi-band image processing and fusion system for military vehicles, handheld imaging cameras for border security, multi-band polarimetric imaging systems, and the development of ATDR processing. Tektonex has an international portfolio of clients and partners that provide sensor hardware and camera platforms (vehicles, drones etc).

Additional positions held include Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia (research interests include integrated FPA and MEMS technology) and Cranfield University (Defence Academy). Conference chairman and committee member including the SPIE EO/IR Systems Technology and Applications Conference.

Previous roles include Director and Chief Engineer at Waterfall Solutions Ltd (development of novel image and data processing systems including a full-panoramic dual-band imaging system for maritime and vehicle-mounted applications, the design of an AI-based ATDR system, and high performance imaging cameras for police and fire services); Project Engineering Manager at BAE Systems (Seawolf Point Defence System); Design-Lead and International Group Manager at Thales (Typhoon IRST, MAWS, Land Vehicles); Optics Design Authority at Marconi Space Systems; and Senior Research Officer in BAE Systems Research Centre (interferometry, laser and fibre-optic systems, holography). Academic posts held include Oxford University (Engineering Department) and University of Surrey (Machine Vision).

Invited presenter and lecturer at schools (STEM), universities (covering engineering, science, and business management). Scientific background is in theoretical and engineering physics (first degree and doctorate) with over 100 technical publications across a broad range of EO/IR sensor related subjects.