About

Expertise

Dr Robert Illes is an experienced and diversely talented educationalist, lead researcher and senior technical author. He has extensive experience on R&D projects, major engineering and construction projects both client and contractor-side. He has developed a niche providing high-quality strategic research, training and technical authoring services in complex engineering industries and construction.

Robert set up Opal Flame Consultancy in 2008 to respond to a need for diverse consultancy services in the outdoor media sector, but also beyond, taking advantage of his skills and experience in a wide range of disciplines.

Background

Dr Robert Illes has a first class physics degree and post-graduate teaching certificate from Birmingham, and a PhD in physics education from Oxford. He has taught physics and mathematics around the country. He has lectured research methods and conducted empirical research in Oxford.

Ten years' R&D management experience in numerous turnkey projects in engineering, lighting, outdoor media and in hi-tech and mobile M2M sectors has taken Robert all round the world researching and developing innovative products for visual displays, including several patented inventions, rising to the rank of technical director.

More recently, through Opal Flame Consultancy, Robert has worked on a variety of major projects, both client and contractor-side. He also led the skills development on a large UK government-funded R&D programme.

Other activities

Dr Robert Illes is a volunteer member of the UK Construction Leadership Council Skills for a Modernised Industry sub-group and wider People and Skills network. This work seeks to enable the future industry with the competencies it needs - Robert contributes by providing strategic advice. He is also a volunteer member of the Building People Advisory Board, helping to join dots and create a more diverse and inclusive industry - something close to heart as Dr Robert is of European background.

Outside of work, Robert loves music and nature. His interests include playing in rock bands - in which he has led an illustrious parallel life - and also spending time in the garden or in beautiful places.