The Taiwan Research Hub presents a career talk with insights into Indo-Pacific research from Ditchley Foundation
The Power of Connection: Forging the Networks that Enable Action
with Martin C. Smith, Chief Technology Officer, Ditchley Foundation and Robin Talbot, Database Administrator, Ditchley Foundation
Tuesday 27 January 2026, Lunch 1-1.30, talk 1.30-2.30pm
Room A100 Law and Social Sciences Building, University Park
In Person event only register at https://forms.office.com/e/rcbVVevBWa
Talk abstract
The Ditchley Foundation was established in 1958 by philanthropist Sir David Wills with a singular, vital purpose: to bolster the transatlantic alliance and help sustain peace, freedom, and the rule of law. For over 60 years, the Foundation has operated as a globally trusted, bipartisan forum for frank conversations across partisan, geographical, and generational divides. Based at the historic Ditchley Park in Oxfordshire—an estate that once served as a retreat for Winston Churchill—the Foundation’s core philosophy is that real-world change is driven by personal relationships and the space to "think new things and make new connections".
Ditchley works at the intersection of this diplomatic tradition and the modern digital landscape. Technology at Ditchley is viewed as one of our four core pillars (alongside Geopolitics, Democracy, and Energy & Climate), serving as both a subject of strategic inquiry and a means to enhance our connectivity. We use pioneering technology and research to curate a mix of established leaders and emerging talent, ensuring our discussions are informed by the latest scientific and industrial realities.
Our 2025 programme addressed the significant geopolitical flux currently reshaping the world. A cornerstone of this work was our series on the Indo-Pacific, which explored the strategic challenge of maintaining security while remaining deeply intertwined with China for trade and economic growth. We examined how this already difficult task is compounded by a period of significant unpredictability in US foreign policy, where a more transactional approach to alliances has led many partners to adopt "de-risking" strategies to manage shifts in Washington. Ultimately, these discussions concluded that long-term stability depends less on external posturing and more on addressing internal domestic weaknesses—specifically by revitalising industrial capacity and investing in the human capital and education needed for the next generation of global innovation.
Ultimately, Ditchley’s mission remains rooted in the belief that the world’s most intractable problems—from technological disruption to geopolitical shifts—cannot be solved in isolation. We do not seek to dictate strategy; rather, we act as enablers of agency. By providing a private space for intellectual honesty and enhancing the network of connections between diverse stakeholders, we empower individuals to build the popular consensus and creative partnerships necessary for a stable and prosperous global order.About the Speaker
About the Speakers
Martin C. Smith
Martinleads technological innovation as Chief Technology Officer for the Ditchley Foundation. In its simplest form, Ditchley’s objective is to ensure it gets the right people around the table, but to do this requires multifaceted tools to manage its extensive network of connections. His team develops these capabilities by utilising their core Salesforce CRM, supplemented by a powerful knowledge graph, and thinking about how emerging technologies can be harnessed to maximise the insights derived from this network.
Martin also coordinates Ditchley's internship programme, introducing ambitious young talent to the work of the foundation. Through a mix of understanding, expanding and analysing networks, these interns develop the confidence to apply their academic learnings beyond the lecture hall.
Throughout his career he’s thrived on using data to understand the world around us. He earned a PhD in astrophysics and dedicated two decades to pioneering research across Europe and China, building a research group that investigated the origins of our galaxy, the Milky Way. This extensive analytical expertise now underpins his approach to technology at Ditchley.
Robin Talbot
Robin first joined Ditchley as a Networks intern in 2021 and has remained a familiar face within the alumni community ever since. He began his academic journey studying Physics at UCL, but a growing interest in the global shifts of the 2010s led him towards the social sciences, and he later graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics in 2022.
Following his graduation, Robin applied his technical background to the healthcare sector, managing databases for NHS occupational health services. He returned to Ditchley in 2025, where he now balances his role as Database Administrator with a commitment to mentoring new talent through the Internship Programme. Outside of the office, Robin is most at home outdoors as a keen hiker and climber with a lifelong interest in the natural world.
Chaired by Dr Chun-yi Lee, Taiwan Research Hub