Niall Ó Brolcháin of the Insight Centre for Data Analytics / Data Science Institute at NUI Galway (formerly DERI) works in eGov, IoT, Smart City and Region, Co-Creation, Open & Big Data Research. He has over 20 years cutting edge experience in the ICT industry in software management, analysis, research, development and consultancy and over 10 years experience at the highest levels of Government. He graduated in Business and Computer studies and has postgraduate qualifications in Digital Media, Project Management and Marketing. He was a pioneer in the use of the World Wide Web and the Internet. He spent 10 years working in local and national Government in Ireland serving as Mayor of Galway City from 2006-07 and was deputy Government whip in Seanad Eireann the upper house of the Irish Parliament until 2011 where he served as spokesperson on Health, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Prior to that he served as parliamentary secretary to the Irish Government. He has a keen interest in Heritage and the Environment and served as chair of Galway City's Environment Strategic Policy Committee. He is co-chair of the Galway Environmental Network. He was deputy chairperson on the Western River Basin District project as part of Ireland’s implementation of the Water Framework Directive. He has many years practical experience in policy development and has worked as an advisor to the Irish and UK Governments.