Hazel obtained her Master’s degree in physics from Imperial College, London and a PhD in non-linear laser optics from the Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton. She has over 15 years’ experience working across industry and academia in the photonics sector in R&D, sales and business development. She played an instrumental role in the growth of Covesion Ltd from start-up to key quantum technologies manufacturer. Since moving to Wales in 2015, Hazel led business development for the Centre for Photonics Expertise facilitating industry-academic collaborations across South Wales. In 2022 she joined Cardiff University as the Programme Manager for the ‘CSconnected Strength in Places Fund’ project funded by UKRI, working with CS Cluster partners to build on regional strengths in advanced semiconductor materials and manufacturing, driving cluster development and expansion.As Business Development Manager for CSconnected since July 2024, Hazel continues to support growth for the South Wales Compound Semiconductor Cluster, focussing on supply chain opportunities and harnessing regional, national and global connections.