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University announces new executive lead for Research and Innovation

21 October 2015

 

Teesside University has appointed Professor Simon Hodgson as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation to lead its research agenda.

The internationally renowned materials scientist and engineer joins Teesside’s executive team to raise the profile of research across the University and stimulate increased research activity. He will lead the development of Teesside’s research strategy to deliver a depth and breadth of international quality real-world research in selected cross-disciplinary themes to support knowledge transfer, skills development and growth in postgraduate study. He will engage with a wider network of stakeholders to promote commercial and public engagement with research as a driver for economic growth. Commenting on his appointment, Professor Hodgson said: 'I am delighted to be taking on this new challenge and to lead Teesside University’s Research and Innovation agenda.

'There is a culture here of high-quality research with real world impact and application of which we are rightly proud.

'The majority of work submitted by Teesside University for the 2014 Research Excellence Framework was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent and I am looking forward to working with some extremely talented colleagues to further build the breadth and depth of our research and help us to make an even bigger positive impact on a range of major issues, spanning business, society, health and well-being, the economy and the environment - both for our region and on the wider national and international stage.'

Professor Hodgson is a graduate of the University of Sheffield and has served as Dean of the School of Science & Engineering at Teesside University from 2007, having previously held academic roles at Sheffield Hallam, Lincoln, and latterly Loughborough University where he was Reader, Research Group Lead and board member in the Faculty of Science.

Alongside his academic management roles, he leads a research group focusing on advanced materials and processing and has a number of ongoing research collaborations and research projects, particularly with the aerospace industry with partners including Rolls Royce. His research is extensively published and patented and he has contributed to a number of government reports, as well as maintaining a successful record of winning research council, European and industry funding.

Professor Hodgson has just completed a term as President of the National Engineering Professors Council and is now Vice-President. He also sits on a number of advisory bodies and groups for engineering education at all levels where he maintains an active interest in the development of innovative and best practice in teaching and learning.

Teesside University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Paul Croney said: 'I am delighted to recognise Simon’s international expertise and research networks in appointing him to this new executive leadership role. Our research here at Teesside is recognised for both its international quality and its real world impact. Through continuous investment in research and engagement with industry we are committed to informing the learning experience we deliver to our students.'

The announcement of Professor Hodgson follows the appointment earlier this summer of Professor Jane Turner - an experienced academic and executive leadership coach from Northumbria University - as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Business Engagement. Both professors take up post on 1 November and join the University’s Executive Team, following the retirement of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Business, Professor Cliff Hardcastle.


 
 
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