Walton Institute
The Walton Institute, formerly known as the Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG), is a renowned research center specializing in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Established in 1996, it operates from the West Campus of South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford, Ireland. Over the years, the institute has evolved into a cornerstone of ICT research and development in Ireland, contributing significantly to advancements in telecommunications and related fields.
The institute is structured into dedicated research divisions, each focusing on fundamental ICT domains such as wired and wireless communication infrastructures, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, pervasive sensing systems, augmented/virtual reality, data analytics and machine learning, Internet of Things, quantum and satellite communication, biological nano communication, and mobile application development. Within these domains, Walton produces enabling technologies which can be applied to multiple industries such as health, agriculture, retail, tourism, finance, transport, and entertainment.
Throughout its history, the Walton Institute has been actively engaged in numerous national and international research projects, collaborating with a vast network of industry partners, academic institutions, and research organizations across more than 35 countries. This extensive collaboration has not only bolstered its research capabilities but also facilitated the commercialization of innovative technologies, leading to the creation of several spin-off companies and contributing to economic growth in the region.
Walton Role in AI-DAPT
SETU will spearhead critical aspects of AI pipeline governance and validation within the AI-DAPT project through their work in Task 3.5, where they will design and implement AI Lifecycle Management Services for comprehensive pipeline governance. This work encompasses developing an AI Security Engine to identify potential adversarial attacks and assess associated risks, while also implementing mechanisms for data preparation, model engineering, and explainability. The services developed will be integral to the AI Pipeline Manager, ensuring trustworthy and fair operation of end-to-end automated AI pipelines across Work Packages 2 and 3.
Building on this foundation, SETU will lead Task 4.4, designing a comprehensive software validation and verification framework for all AI-DAPT services, including automated unit, functional, and integration testing. Their contributions extend to hybrid science-AI model explainability and evaluation in Task 3.2, where they will design and implement interfaces for pipeline explainability, while also supporting Task 5.2’s demonstrator use cases, ensuring the practical application and validation of the developed frameworks.
Walton Team
Gary McManus is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in research and project coordination at the Walton Institute for Information and Communications Systems Science, part of South East Technological University (SETU). He has been actively involved in managing complex research initiatives, fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring the successful implementation of innovative technological solutions. His expertise spans various domains, including artificial intelligence, digital health, and systems integration, contributing significantly to the institute’s mission of advancing cutting-edge research.
Notably, Gary has played a key role in coordinating the FAITH project (Federated Artificial Intelligence solution for moniToring mental Health status after cancer treatment), funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. This initiative aims to develop an AI-driven application for monitoring depression markers in cancer survivors, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. His leadership in this project highlights his commitment to leveraging technology for meaningful societal impact.
Philip O’Brien is a Technical Lead at the Walton Institute within the South East Technological University (SETU), specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in electronic engineering, which have provided a strong foundation for his work in AI-driven solutions. In his current role, Philip is technical lead for the Mobile Ecosystem and Pervasive Sensing (MEPS) Division, where he focuses on leveraging AI to address complex challenges across various sectors.
One of Philip’s notable projects is the FAITH initiative, which aims to predict mental health outcomes for cancer survivors using federated machine learning approaches. By collaborating with hospitals in Madrid and Lisbon, his team collects diverse data sets—including activity levels, sleep patterns, nutrition, and vocal features—to identify markers that can forecast mental health trends. The ultimate goal is to enable early interventions, thereby improving the well-being of this vulnerable population. Philip’s work exemplifies the impactful integration of technology and healthcare, contributing to advancements in patient care through innovative AI applications
Mr. Patrice Boleguin serves as the Senior Systems Administrator at the Walton Institute for Information and Communications Systems Science, part of the Department of Computing and Mathematics at South East Technological University (SETU). With over 15 years of experience in manual and automated testing, he holds certifications in ISEB, ISTQB, and TMAP. Patrice began his career as a graduate software quality engineer at Sun Life in Waterford, Ireland, and subsequently spent eight years in Dublin, undertaking various roles and positions. Prior to joining the Walton Institute in August 2015, he worked for StitcherAds (formerly Betapond) in Carriganore.
Since joining the Walton Institute, Patrice has been a key member of the PSES Team, serving as a Test Lead on assigned projects and as an EU Tasks Leader, with overall responsibility for testing activities. His focus has been on defining Verification and Validation (V&V) methodologies and implementing, maintaining, and improving test automation frameworks. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in advancing the institute’s research and development initiatives.