Professor Ian Walmsley FRS
Physics pioneer and university leader, Professor Ian Walmsley FRS, has been appointed as the next Provost of Imperial College London.
He is currently Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and Hooke Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Oxford and will take up his role on 1 September 2018, succeeding Professor James Stirling on his retirement.
World-renowned
Professor Walmsley is a world-renowned expert in ultrafast and quantum optics, and his research has led to advances in fields as diverse as spectroscopy, cryptography, quantum computing, and precision measurement. He graduated from Imperial with a first class honours in physics and has long standing ties with the College.
"I look forward to working with colleagues to continue the trajectory of world-leading research, education and innovation for which the College is renowned" Professor Ian Walmsley
In his role as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Walmsley has led Oxford's research and innovation strategy. He is responsible for coordinating the University’s relationships with its major research funders and the engagement of research activities with wider audiences.
Professor Walmsley said: “I am delighted to return to Imperial. It is a fantastic institution with a wonderful future, and I look forward to working with colleagues to continue the trajectory of world-leading research, education and innovation for which the College is renowned.”
Professor Alice Gast, President of Imperial, said: “Ian is an exceptional academic leader and an eminent scholar.
“His strong support for collaboration across disciplines, sectors and between nations will make him an outstanding champion for the College and our community. He understands what it takes for great universities to thrive in this era of change.
“His leadership will be a great asset to the College and I look forward to working with him to take the College from strength to strength.”