26 February 2026, 17:30 – 19:00
AI: Opportunities and Risks for Businesses
- LocationTrinity Hall Lecture Theatre, and online via livestream
- CostFree of charge
- Booking closing dateThursday, 26 February 2026 12:00pm
- Event typePanel discussion
Join Trinity Hall alumni, Isobel Daley (2007), Brian Healy (1998), and Matt McNeany (1990), to discuss how AI is transforming their businesses, how it is supporting innovation and efficiency, and what the implications are for the changing world of work.
The event will also be available to watch online via livestream.
All are welcome at the drinks reception beforehand.
This is a hybrid event. You can book to attend in-person or online using the booking links.
Programme
17:30-17:45 Drinks reception in the Terrace Room
17:45-19:00 Panel Discussion in the Lecture Theatre
Chair
Mary Hockaday (1981)
Mary Hockaday is Master of Trinity Hall, where she studied English as an undergraduate. She was formerly Controller BBC World Service English and before that, from 2009-2014 she was Head of the BBC Newsroom, overseeing the BBC’s core news services on radio, television and online. Mary was Editor of BBC World Service News and Current Affairs from 2001 to 2006. She serves on the board of the British Library and is an Independent Non-executive Director with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Speaker
Isobel Daley (2007)
Isobel’s journey into AI really began with her Economics degree at Trinity Hall. Though she had no idea what data science or machine learning were at the time, the study of econometrics laid the statistical foundations for a future career in the field. After graduating, she worked in consulting before running two small businesses, then retrained as a Data Scientist in 2019 before returning to consulting and leading an AI practice for a technology firm later acquired by Accenture. The emergence of generative AI in late 2022 was a pivotal moment, reshaping both her work and the wider industry. Isobel now leads the AI practice at a specialist data consultancy, helping organisations apply machine learning and generative AI responsibly. She also researches gender bias in generative AI and advocates for greater diversity in technology leadership.
Speaker
Brian Healy (1998)
Dr Brian Healy is CEO of Decision Science, a leading data science and quantitative finance consultancy, and Dragovan Healy Alpha Research & Development, a quantitative hedge fund. A mathematician by training, Brian brings deep theoretical insight and practical expertise to the forefront of strategic decision-making, advanced analytics, and systematic trading.
With a global academic presence, Brian regularly lectures in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), and Stanford University. His teaching and research span cutting-edge developments in AI, statistical learning, and mathematical modeling, inspiring the next generation of data scientists and innovators.
Beyond academia, Brian is a serial entrepreneur and strategic advisor who has founded and guided numerous startups in the fintech and AI space. His ventures have leveraged machine learning, quantitative finance, and decision science to create innovative solutions that disrupt traditional markets and unlock new value. As an advisor, he brings both technical depth and strategic vision to help early-stage companies navigate complex challenges and scale effectively.
Brian’s career is defined by his ability to bridge rigorous mathematics with real-world business impact. He was an option trader and quantitative researcher at a number of top investment banks before founding his own business. Through Decision Science, he leads a team delivering bespoke quantitative solutions to complex challenges across industries. At Dragovan Healy Alpha Research & Development, he applies sophisticated mathematical models and machine learning techniques to generate alpha in global financial markets.
A recognized thought leader, Brian’s expertise is sought after internationally for speaking engagements, panels, and industry collaborations. He is dedicated to advancing both the theory and practical application of AI and decision science across academia, industry, and finance.
Speaker
Matt McNeany (1990)
Matt McNeany is President of WPP Open Pro, the new edition of WPP Open – WPP’s AI platform for marketing. He leads the team empowering brands to independently plan, create and publish campaigns, leveraging WPP’s advanced AI and technology.
Joining WPP in 2025 specifically to launch this innovative venture, Matt brings over two decades of deep industry expertise. He previously spent 22 years at Omnicom, culminating as Chief Transformation Officer for Omnicom Precision Marketing Group. Prior to that, he founded Code Worldwide, Omnicom’s marketing technology agency, and has worked with renowned global brands including Diageo, Mars, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz.
A native of Manchester and an alumnus of Trinity Hall, Cambridge University, Matt now resides in London with his family.
Booking and cost
There is no charge to attend, however, booking is required. Please note that bookings close at 12pm on Thursday 26 February.
If you are joining us online, you will receive an email by 16:00 on Thursday 26 February with a link and joining instructions. The livestream will begin at 17:45.
Dining Privileges
We would like to invite alumni to use their dining privileges to join us at High Table after the discussion. Please note that spaces are limited.
Trinity Hall Spotlights: AI
This event forms part of Trinity Hall Spotlights: AI, a series which will explore the rapidly evolving frontiers of Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. What do we mean by AI, what are the opportunities and challenges it presents and how can we navigate the implications of this new technology? Through different academic, business and ethical perspectives, we hope you’ll gain insight into an innovation which is changing our world.
Photography
We like to take photographs at our alumni events to use in our digital and print communications. If you do not wish to have your photo taken, please let us know in advance or on the day.
Location
The Lecture Theatre, Trinity Hall, Trinity Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1TJ.
Please visit the Porters’ Lodge on arrival where they will direct you to the venue.
Cancellations
Please let us know as soon as possible if you find you are no longer able to attend, as we have limited capacity for this event.
Contact
If you have any queries, please contact Rebecca Horner on developmentevents@trinhall.cam.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1223 763010. If you have any questions about events in general, please see our event FAQs.