Richard Jones
Richard Jones has a unique track record leading and managing research, development and commercialisation of technologies that support intelligence analysis and investigations.
Richard received his doctorate in theoretical physics from Trinity College, Dublin, where he is a Foundation Scholar. In the course of this he wrote a computer program to do his algebra for him. At the UK Atomic Energy Commission’s Harwell Lab he began his discoveries of ways to get computers to do clever things with texts, including the development of one of the first successful search engines, which was later the basis of a commercial spin-off during Margaret Thatcher’prime ministership. After helping build Scotland Yard’s first computer-based intelligence system, he was attached to the Australian Attorney-General’s Department.
Richard went on to acquire a mix of high level public sector, private sector and academic experience. He was Chief Scientist of the Computer Power Group for twelve years, and Vice President R&D and Engineering for InTEXT Systems. He chaired the Australian Research Council Review Board into the outcomes of large grants in computer science, and served for many years on the Australian Co-operative Research Centre Selection Panel for Physical Sciences. He also provides technical evaluations for venture capitalists. In recent years, Richard has been Chief Scientist of Distillery Software.
Richard’s consulting clients include technology companies (Toshiba, Canon); government agencies (the UK Home Office, the Council of Europe; and in Australia the Parliamentary Library, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and AusAID); insurers, miners and news media (Australian Associated Press, Media Monitors); and others not easily classified, such as the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Richard is an adjunct Professor of the Australian National University, and continues to sing bass in the Llewellyn Choir after surviving its presidency. He also plays the harp, and complains of lack of time to practice.
Few people understand the nexus between academic and government research and commercial product development better than Richard, and few know more about the hazards on the way from a good idea to a return on investment. In consideration of any matter that can benefit from earned wisdom, a large view and a sense of humour, we like him in the room.