Martin Howarth has a Ph.D. in Robotics from Nottingham Trent University and is a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and a chartered engineer. Previously, he was the Head of the Department of Engineering and Mathematics at Sheffield Hallam University, where he was responsible for leading the strategic development of Engineering and Mathematics in the College of Business, Technology and Engineering, as well as for overseeing the delivery of excellent education in these disciplines. He is currently the Director of the NCEFE at Sheffield Hallam University. The NCEFE is a hub for collaboration between the food and drink industry and academia, developing innovative engineering solutions for the industry and supporting the development of critical skills, which are currently in short supply. Research and technology transfer work led by him at the NCEFE includes a focus on improving sustainability and reducing waste in the food and drink sector, and assisting manufacturers with efficient food processing techniques.