College announces new Heads of Departments

New appointments in four departments and divisions - News

By Danielle Reeves
25 July 2007

The College has announced four new Heads of Department to take the reins in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering and Investigative Science

Tom Welton , currently Professor of Sustainable Chemistry and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the department will start his five-year tenure as Head of Chemistry, succeeding Professor Richard Templer , on 1 August 2007. Professor Welton is an expert in ionic liquid chemistry, and in the application of ionic liquids to synthesis and catalysis. His research focuses on understanding how the chemical environment in which a reaction is taking place affects the reaction process.

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Welton said: "I'm delighted and honoured to have been chosen to lead one of the best chemistry departments in the world, for a five year period which will see some exciting developments for the field, but also for chemistry at the College as well.

"Whilst some other chemistry departments in the UK are struggling to recruit students, Imperial continues to go from strength to strength in this field, a fact which I will strive to see reflected in plans for a new interdisciplinary molecular sciences building which will be one of the major projects of my time as Head of Department."

Professor Welton insists that chemists have a key role to play at the heart of many of the big issues facing science in the coming years, including fuel technology and tackling climate change. However, fundamental science remains important too: "Theoretical chemical research such as understanding reactions, is more important than ever before, and is an area of real strength for Imperial. I'm looking forward to the challenge of building on our success in this and other areas as Head of Department."

Professor Tony Kinloch  will take up his new role as Head of Mechanical Engineering on 1 October 2007, succeeding Professor Nick Cumpsty . Professor Kinloch is a world leader in the science and technology of adhesion and adhesives. His areas of expertise include using fracture mechanics to characterise the toughness of adhesives, modelling the structure versus property relationships in multiphase thermosetting adhesives, and predicting and increasing the durability of adhesively-bonded components for engineering applications.

During his time as Head of Department, Professor Kinloch is looking forward to seeing the benefits of substantial continued investment in the buildings used by his department, and to encouraging more multidisciplinary projects with colleagues from across the Faculty of Engineering. "My research area is 'adhesion and adhesives' which is a truly multidisciplinary topic, so I have been working with many different colleagues in many parts of Imperial since the very first day I first arrived. I intend to encourage and assist further such integration of our research and teaching efforts," he said.

Professor Martin Wilkins  will become Head of the Division of Investigative Science on 1 August, succeeding Professor Steve Bloom . Professor Wilkins is a clinical pharmacologist who specialises in designing and conducting studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs in humans, particularly humans affected by pulmonary hypertension. Working with a team of basic scientists and clinicians, Professor Wilkins works to identify new drug targets and to develop medicines that work on these targets.

Professor Wilkins commented on his appointment, saying: "I'm honoured and delighted by this exciting challenge which is an opportunity to help shape and position Imperial College on the international stage. I am looking forward very much to working with my new colleagues."

Acknowledging the current success of the Division, Professor Wilkins states that he aims to build on the success of the past by enabling the efforts of researchers already in the Division and recruiting the stars of the future. "I’m inheriting a healthy and vibrant Division with a strong science base, so the first objective is not to drop the ball!" he said.

Professor Wilkins sees the major challenges facing his division coming from changes in the way clinical science is funded. He stresses that researchers need to be aware of and prepare for new funding initiatives: "I hope, as Head of Division, I can encourage researchers to progress their work through the various stages to explore its full clinical potential," he added.

Professor Ross Ethier will join the College on 1 August as Head of the Department of Bioengineering. He will succeed Professor Chris Hankin , who has been Acting Head of Department since the death of Professor John Lever.

He is currently Director of the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. His research interests include the biomechanics of molecules, cells and whole organs; numerical and experimental studies of blood flow in large arteries; and the study of arterial disease. He also studies the outflow of aqueous humour within the eye, as related to the problem of glaucoma and the mechanical and cellular response of optic nerve tissues to intraocular pressure in glaucoma. Professor Ethier has been recognised many times in his career for both his research and teaching achievements and in 2006 was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

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