Academic Lead for Education Data and Learning Analytics
Professor Camille Kandiko Howson has accepted the appointment of Academic Lead for Education Data and Learning Analytics, with effect from 1 September 2026, for a term of five years.
Author: Sara West
Vice-President (Advancement)
Brandon Baker has accepted appointment as Vice-President (Advancement) and will join Imperial in autumn 2026.
Reporting to the President, Brandon will lead the Advancement Division, a dynamic professional team that raises funds for scholarships, academic positions, research centres and capital projects, secures philanthropic support for Imperial’s mission, and helps strengthen the university’s global reputation.
Proconsuls and Consuls 2026-27
Professor Xiao Yun Xu has accepted the appointment of Proconsul from 1 October 2026 to 31 August 2029, to replace Professor Jonathan Mestel following his appointment as Associate Provost (Academic Promotions).
Professor Xu has served in the past as Consul (2016-2019) and Proconsul (2021-2023). (more…)
Julia Higgins Medals and Awards
The Julia Higgins Medals and Awards recognise individuals, groups, and departments that have made a significant contribution to the support of academic women at the university.
Associate Provost (Academic Promotions)
Professor Jonathan Mestel has accepted appointment as Associate Provost (Academic Promotions) for an initial three-year term from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029.
Reporting to the Provost and Deputy President, Professor Mestel will play a key leadership role in supporting Imperial’s commitment to excellence in research and education across science, engineering, medicine and business. He will lead Imperial’s annual academic promotions exercise, ensuring that it is rigorous, fair and recognises the quality of the full range of contributions made by our academic staff to Imperial’s mission.
Vice-Dean (Research), Faculty of Natural Sciences
Professor Riccardo Sapienza has accepted the appointment of Vice-Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Natural Sciences, for a term of five years, with effect from 1 May 2026.
Associate Dean (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), Faculty of Natural Sciences
Professor Vincent Savolainen has accepted the appointment of Associate Dean (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) for the Faculty of Natural Sciences, for a term of three years, with effect from 1 May 2026.
Head of the Department of Infectious Disease
Professor Aubrey Cunnington has accepted appointment as Head of the Department of Infectious Disease, with effect from 1 February 2026, for a term of five years.
Head of the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction
Professor Waljit Dhillo FMedSci has accepted appointment as Head of the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, with effect from 1 September 2026, for a term of five years.
Associate Provost (Digitally-Enhanced Learning & Teaching)
Associate Provost (Digitally-Enhanced Learning & Teaching)
Dr Sophie Rutschmann has accepted the appointment of Associate Provost (Digitally-Enhanced Learning & Teaching), with effect from 1 August 2025, for a term of five years.
Reporting to the Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience), Dr Rutschmann will lead Imperial’s strategic commitment to digitally-enhanced learning and teaching.