Dear colleague,
After seven years as our Provost, Professor Ian Walmsley has decided to stand down later this year to pursue new opportunities.
Ian, who has served as Provost since 2018, will stand down from his Provostial duties at the end of September.
As Imperial’s second Provost, Ian’s outstanding academic leadership has ensured Imperial remains one of the world’s best research-led universities. His academic leadership has been central to this success – from spearheading the Academic Strategy and his championing of key academic initiatives in Science for Humanity to his backing of innovative new ventures such as I-X and the Institute for Deep Tech Entrepreneurship, that have driven interdisciplinary research, pushed forward digital learning and expanded the innovation ecosystem.
To our community, he has been an inspiring and consistent source of support – and an advocate for both staff and students. He has always been a visible champion for our work, including at times of great change. His leadership was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, where we pivoted to new ways of working and hybrid-learning to deliver a world-class education during a time of immense change.
He has also been a steadfast champion of our values and has actively promoted our diversity, not least through the Provost’s Visiting Professor scheme, which has brought a range of global perspectives into our work.
On a personal level, I am extremely grateful to Ian for all his support and advice. Since the day I joined Imperial, I have benefitted from his wisdom, advice and invaluable knowledge of our community.
There will be more opportunities to thank Ian in the coming months. For now, please join me in congratulating him on his service and wish him well for the future.
We have engaged the search firm Perrett Laver to support the appointment process for a new Provost and Deputy President of Imperial. A global search will begin in the coming days.
Best wishes,
Hugh
Professor Hugh Brady, President