Durham University welcome new Executive Dean for Faculty of Social Sciences and Health
Posted 18th July 2024
Following a comprehensive search by Dixon Walter, Martin will join Durham on 1 November 2024, bringing his track record in delivering on long term strategy and increasing research funding awards to Durham.
His leadership experience will be vital for enhancing the educational and interdisciplinary research growth and programme development across the social sciences.
Professor Martin Evans has been appointed as Durham University’s new Executive Dean (Social Sciences and Health).
Professor Evans will take up his new role on 1 November 2024. He will be a member of the University Executive Committee and will have a key role in delivering the University Strategy for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Health. In particular, he will be responsible for enhancing the educational and interdisciplinary research growth and programme development, as well as fostering partnerships across geographies and sectors.
Significant academic leadership experience with an interdisciplinary focus.
Professor Evans is currently Professor of Geomorphology and Vice Dean and Head of the School of Environment, Education and Development at the University of Manchester.
He began his academic career as a Senior Research Assistant at Durham University and has subsequently held various academic and leadership positions at the University of Manchester.
Professor Evans is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a fellow of the British Society for Geomorphology. He is also currently the chair of the Conference of Heads of Geography in Higher Education.
His research is inherently interdisciplinary and he has recent UKRI research funding of over £2m focused on peatland research, working collaboratively with policymakers, practitioners and colleagues in social sciences. He is the author of two books and over 100 other publications on topics from the carbon cycle to peatland restoration and ecosystem services.
Professor Evans brings over 25 years’ experience in Higher Education and a track record in delivering on long term strategy and in significantly increasing success in research funding awards.
Professor Evans succeeds Professor Charlotte Clarke, who joined Durham in 2019 and was recently announced as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health).
Going forward, Professor Evans will work closely with Professor Clarke on the Health agenda.
Building on global reputation.
Professor Evans said: “The social sciences are key to many of the challenges that we face in the world today. The Faculty has an exciting range of high performing disciplines and I look forward to working with colleagues to collectively deliver on that promise.”
Professor Mike Shipman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Durham University said: “Martin is an outstanding leader with a strong track record of working across departments and with a wide range of stakeholders. He will help the Faculty of Social Sciences and Health build upon its excellent global reputation for both research and education.”
From everyone at Dixon Walter we wish Professor Evans every success in this new position. It has been a pleasure to support this key appointment.
Posted by Sarah Walker
Share this article.
Higher Education
Posted
As executive recruiters specialising in higher education, we’ve witnessed a fascinating shift in recent months: the growing reliance on interim placements to fill critical leadership roles. This trend has been particularly pronounced over the last six months, as declining international student numbers have put significant financial pressure on institutions and the cost of living also having a detrimental impact on domestic student numbers. These economic challenges, coupled with an ever-changing landscape, underscore the adaptability of the sector and the critical need for skilled leadership during these turbulent times.
Higher Education
Posted
The University of Manchester has appointed Barra Mac Ruairí as the new Chief Property Officer to lead the Estates and Facilities Directorate, joining early in 2025.
Barra is currently the Chief Property Officer at the University of Bristol where he leads the campus division. He is the joint institutional lead for sustainability and works on this as one of the University’s strategic priorities, alongside delivering a world-class physical and digital campus. He has also played a significant role in major projects such as the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, a new city centre campus currently in development.
Higher Education
Posted
Keele University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Tasnim Munshi as the new Head of the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences.
Professor Munshi joins from the University of Lincoln where she was the Head of the School of Chemistry and had full responsibility for the management of all teaching provision within the School, including leading student recruitment-related activities. Prior to this Tasnim, a Professor of Chemistry, was the Acting Head of School of Chemistry and Forensic Science at the University of Bradford.