Academic promotions 2006 - Imperial recognises its rising stars

College announces 88 promotions - News

Imperial now has an additional 32 professors, 34 readers, 21 senior lecturers and one principal research fellow, as a result of its latest academic promotions exercise.

The complete list of 88 promotions [pdf]   is effective from 1 October.

Congratulating those newly recognised, Rector Sir Richard Sykes  said:

"As Imperial approaches its Centenary year, it's appropriate to stand back for a moment and ask what the secret of our success is. The answer is undoubtedly the high quality staff we are able to attract and, I hope, retain. The people recognised in this latest round of academic promotions are not only talented researchers in their own right - they are also helping to produce the next generation of scientists, engineers and medics. Their influence will be great and far-reaching, and I am proud to congratulate them all."

Among the new professors is Murray Shanahan , now Professor of Cognitive Robotics in the Department of Computing, whose research focuses on artificial intelligence and the biological basis of consciousness. An Imperial man through and through, Professor Shanahan came to Imperial as a 17 year old undergraduate and has remained at the College for the majority of his career.

"I have now given up trying to escape the pull of the long, invisible bungee by which I seem to be attached to the Queen's Tower," he comments.

"I'm very pleased to become a professor of, course," he adds. "But what really matters is the research you do, not the title people give you. The best moments in research are when you get a flash of inspiration into something deep and important."

Also recognised in the latest round of promotions is Terry Tetley of the National Heart and Lung Institute, who becomes Professor of Lung Cell Biology. She joined the Charing Cross Hospital Medical School in 1980, becoming part of Imperial following the merger in 2000. Of this she says:

"I have been very fortunate to work in a clinical setting, collaborating with clinicians and surgeons, with access to human material, to develop unique in vitro models to investigate the intricate mechanisms involved in pulmonary inflammation. The merger with Imperial has opened many other interesting, multidisciplinary opportunities and collaborations."

Responding to her recent promotion, she adds: "Obviously I’m pleased to be made a professor, not just for myself but for all the people I’ve worked for, and those who have worked with me, as they have contributed to my success. My family are also delighted; they have supported me throughout. I feel a huge sense of achievement and it is gratifying that my research effort and teaching have been recognised in this way."