Jonathan Legh-Smith

Head of Scientific Affairs BT

Jonathan is Head of Scientific Affairs for BT. He leads engagement with national research & innovation priorities and strategic engagement with UK Research & Innovation. He is based at BT’s global R&D Headquarters at Adastral Park, Suffolk.

Jonathan directed BT’s Strategic Research programme for over 10 years and managed BT’s collaborative research partnerships. He was previously based in Silicon Valley, California as the VP, Technology working with early-stage technology companies.

He is a member of the EPSRC Science, Engineering & Technology Board and the National Quantum Computing Centre Technical Advisory Group and is a regular chair for the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship programme. He was the UK Telecoms Expert for London’s successful 2012 Olympics bid.

Jonathan established BT’s school engagement programme in the East of England and co-created the national Barefoot Computing initiative in partnership with the BCS and Department for Education. He is a member of the Dept. for Education’s Ipswich Opportunity Area Partnership Board, Corporation Member for Suffolk New College, Trustee for Avocet Multi-Academy Trust and a Board member for Suffolk Young Enterprise.