Rob Smedley to launch a school for the future

Rob Smedley, Felipe Massa’s race engineer at Ferrari is to officially relaunch one of our academic Schools.

Previously known as the School of Science & Technology, Rob Smedley will unveil the new identity of the School of Science & Engineering, after his guest lecture on 26 November from 2.00pm to 3.00pm.

Rob’s lecture, to an invited audience, will explore his experiences as an F1 race engineer.

Rob is originally from Normanby, Middlesbrough and has built an outstanding career as an engineer in Formula 1 racing. His career started with Peugeot, then with Williams and Jordan. He moved to work for Ferrari in 2007 and was later appointed as Felipe Massa’s race engineer. Rob is also a high profile supporter of the charity SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society). On the following day, Friday 27 November, Rob will be awarded an honorary degree from Teesside University, a Doctor of Professional Studies, in a special ceremony at Middlesbrough Town Hall.

He will receive his degree from the University’s Chancellor, Lord Sawyer of Darlington along with four other distinguished individuals, in a ceremony starting at 11.00am.

Professor Simon Hodgson, Dean of the School of Science & Engineering, said: 'We are delighted to welcome Rob Smedley, who is such a talented and high profile figure, not only to give his guest lecture but also to formally launch the new School identity. We have adopted the new title as the School of Science & Engineering to mark our focus on supporting the science and engineering industries of the future, and to celebrate the region’s rich engineering heritage.

Developing the Problem Solvers, Innovators and Leaders of the future 'At the event we will also be unveiling the wider development of our School’s new mission – Developing the Problem Solvers, Innovators and Leaders of the future.

'For the past two years, the School has completed a comprehensive review and redesign of every course we offer, working towards a vision of a new and distinctive style of university education. Our focus will be on producing graduates with highly developed skills in the application of academic knowledge in the real world.'

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