Imperial bids farewell to Professor Ian Walmsley as Provost

Professor Ian Walmsley: Reflecting on Seven Years of Transformational Leadership as Provost

With Professor Ian Walmsley set to step down as Provost at the end of September, the Imperial community is taking the opportunity to look back on the milestones, challenges, and achievements that have defined his seven-year tenure. His time in the role has been one of strategic renewal, scientific ambition, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. 

From Oxford to Imperial – A New Era in Academic Leadership 

When Ian joined Imperial in September 2018, he brought with him an international reputation in quantum physics and a proven record of academic leadership from his years at the Universities of Rochester, NY and Oxford. From the outset, he was clear about his priorities: to strengthen Imperial’s academic strategy, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure that Imperial’s research and teaching addressed the most urgent global challenges. 

Ian’s arrival marked the beginning of a new phase in Imperial’s development. Imperial was already globally recognised for its strengths in science, engineering, medicine, and business, but Ian’s focus was on how these disciplines could work together in even more impactful ways. He led the creation of the Academic Strategy (2020–2025), a framework designed to guide Imperial’s priorities and align them with issues shaping the future, from climate science and artificial intelligence to sustainable energy and global health. 

Driving Research and Innovation 

Under Ian’s stewardship, Imperial has expanded its research portfolio and deepened its international partnerships. One of the standout developments has been the further transformation of the White City Campus into a dynamic innovation district. Ian championed this vision, seeing White City not just as a physical expansion but as a platform for enabling larger-scale interdisciplinary research collaboration aimed at addressing major challenges in science, as well as translating research into real-world solutions, bringing together academics, industry partners, and entrepreneurs to tackle society’s most complex problems. 

From major advances in quantum technologies to breakthroughs in medical research, Imperial’s achievements during his time as Provost have reflected his belief that Imperial should be both globally ambitious, nationally influential and locally engaged. 

Enabling world-leading education 

Imperial’s educational mission has also changed considerably under Ian’s leadership. The number of students has grown considerably with new and expanded programmes in targeted areas, including business, AI and Maths, new and this meant new spaces and expanded services needed to be planned and provided. 

The university was well prepared for the rapid digital shift driven by the pandemic, and the engagement of students in shaping how the university changed its approaches to teaching and assessment, were reflected in the responses to the National Student Survey. Imperial emerged stronger from this period with initiatives such as the new Institute of Extended Learning building on the hybrid teaching experience to support expanded non-degree learning.  

At the heart of these changes was a push to improve the student experience, making sure the right environment and the right support was available to enable students to focus on their education. This meant new investments to enhance student wellbeing and mental health, and revisions in approach to this provision. 

Championing Inclusivity and Community 

While research and teaching excellence remained central to his leadership, Ian has been equally committed to nurturing an inclusive and supportive community, seeing this as essential to ensuring ideas are framed and tested as broadly as possible, and Imperial’s community reflects the world it operates in. He has advocated for diversity across all levels of Imperial, promoted cross-disciplinary collaboration, and ensured that investment in facilities and resources reflected the needs of both staff and students. A particular initiative is the Provost’s Visiting Professor programme, which has brought many accomplished female, Black and ethnic minority academics to Imperial, building new networks that broaden the university’s international reach.  

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunities Imperial has given me both as a student and as an academic leader. It has been a privilege to have learned at and worked for such an exciting and vibrant institution, and to have helped shape its mission and purpose. The many brilliant people with whom I have worked here have been an inspiration, and I look forward to seeing Imperial continue its stellar trajectory, making a difference to our understanding of the world, and using that understanding to improve people’s lives.” - Professor Ian Walmsley, Provost

Steering Through the Pandemic 

Ian’s tenure also coincided with one of the most challenging moments in the history of higher education: the COVID-19 pandemic. In a period of uncertainty, rapid change, and global disruption, his calm and decisive leadership was instrumental in maintaining the continuity of teaching, research, and operations. He prioritised the safety and wellbeing of the Imperial community while ensuring research, particularly in epidemiological modelling and vaccine development, was at the forefront of informing UK and global public health responses. This was a moment when Imperial’s mission to serve society through science and education was vividly demonstrated, and Ian’s role in guiding the institution through it will be long remembered.

“Ian left an indelible mark on Imperial during his tenure as Provost. He delivered a compelling academic strategy which powered Imperial's research output and reputation. He steered Imperial through the Covid pandemic with great skill, judgement and empathy. He was a passionate champion for inclusivity, community and collaboration. Imperial owes him a debt of gratitude for his transformative leadership.” - Professor Hugh Brady, President

Looking Ahead 

When Ian steps down as Provost, he will focus on helping the UK achieve its potential in quantum technologies. He will be the founding director of Oxford University’s new Quantum Institute and will chair the Strategic Advisory Committee of the National Quantum Computing Centre. As a member also of the National Quantum Technologies Programme Advisory Board, he will continue to influence the national agenda in this important emerging area.  

And he intends to continue his pioneering work in quantum optics and information science, fields in which his discoveries have already influenced the global scientific agenda, working too with the company he co-founded in this area, ORCA Computing.  

Although his next chapter will take him into different areas of leadership, the imprint of his time here as Provost will remain embedded in Imperial’s strategy, its collaborative culture, and its international reach. 

As Imperial looks to the future under Professor Peter Haynes, who will take on the newly created role of Provost & Deputy President, the Imperial community reflects with deep appreciation on Ian’s years of service. His tenure will be remembered not only for the milestones achieved, but also for the enduring spirit of collaboration, ambition, and resilience he championed.