Dr Simon Topping is Chief Scientist within the Research and Innovation Division of Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) Ltd with over 20 years of experience in defence innovation. After graduating from Cambridge University with a degree in Physics and a PhD in marine geophysics he started his industry career in 2003 working for QinetiQ in the underwater systems business area. Initially he worked on the development of magnetic and electric signature control technologies for naval platforms, focusing on numerical and physical scale methods to model and optimise system performance. Later, his interests broadened to consider a wider range of non-acoustic signatures primarily focussing on modelling, measurement and the assessment of operational impact caused by non-acoustic signatures. In 2010 he took on a leadership role within AEUK, managing research scientists and engineers working across the domain of naval platform signatures. This included taking responsibility for engineering delivery and technology management. Finally, in 2022 he was awarded the title of Senior AEUK Expert in non-acoustic signatures and appointed as Chief Scientist.