Introducing our new Director: Professor Mark A. Burgman
Mark Burgman explains how Imperial's considerable attractions drew him all the way from Melbourne to the CEP
"I was looking to explore a new social, cultural and academic environment - and to learn something new. I couldn't believe my luck when this opportunity arose."
For the past 26 years, I’ve been based in Melbourne, Australia. I still have a wonderful group of close friends there, so I knew it would take a very special opportunity to lure me away from such a liveable city – but this is certainly it. My main research interests are in environmental science, notably environmental policy so Imperial’s Centre for Environmental Policy (CEP) has been on my radar for quite some time. I sensed it would be a good fit – and so far, it’s been as good as I’d hoped, if not better.
My plans for the CEP
Rest assured, I’m not going to rush into making any changes. This is historically a wonderful department and I don’t want to spoil it! It’s going to take me a couple of months to find my feet and many more to develop and implement my priorities. But in terms of a general ‘direction of travel’, it’s fair to say I’m a big fan of synergy and cooperation. I think we tend to work better together than in isolation, especially in the environmental sciences. So I hope to find more opportunities for people to collaborate, both within the Centre and across the College. I’m also determined that we achieve the Athena SWAN Bronze Award as soon as possible, to show our commitment to advancing the careers of women in environmental policy.
Building on our strengths
When it comes to tackling complex problems, I think it is better for us to respond to questions from the Government and industry rather than pushing our own agenda. If they are to trust us with their most interesting problems, we need to listen and show we are ready to explore the issues in partnership with them. This also takes time, but you can be sure it’s firmly on my agenda.
Settling in to London life
Right now, being here in London feels both familiar and unfamiliar. I’m used to being in a university in a big city, but London is much more intense than Melbourne and the nuances of the university are different too. I still have a lot to learn, but people here at the CEP have been very warm and friendly towards me, as have the other Heads of Department within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Lots of things have impressed me; not least the administration systems. People may sometimes complain about them but they are very, very good. There are lots of efficient, dedicated people here who take their jobs seriously and do them well.
Involving our alumni
I didn't have the opportunity to attend the 40th anniversary get-together, but I did read all about it – and I’m sorry I couldn’t be there. I’ve also been introduced to the alumni network by its very capable director, Celia Carling. I can see that this community is vibrant and very impressive, perhaps one of the most valuable parts of the programme. I’m looking forward to getting more involved but until I’m more settled, Henry Shelford, Development Manager for the Faculty of Natural Sciences should be your primary contact for any questions on supporting the Centre. You can reach him on +44 (0)207 594 5313 or via email at h.shelford@imperial.ac.uk.
If you would like to make a financial contribution, please visit our giving pages where you can make a secure donation.
Thank you,
Professor Mark A. Burgman
Director and Head of the Department
Centre for Environmental Policy
Short Bio: Professor Burgman has been a Fellow of the Australia Academy of Science since 2006. In 2013, he was awarded a Royal Society of Victoria Medal for Scientific Excellence in the Biological Sciences.