The University has appointed two new Deputy Principals, Professor Edmund Burke who takes up his post on 1 December 2011, and Professor John Gardner, who begins on 1 January 2012.
Professor Burke is currently Professor of Computer Science and Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Nottingham.
His main research interests lie at the interface of operational research and computer science - in particular, the exploration of search methodologies and the role that they play in underpinning intelligent decision support systems across a wide variety of applications. He is a fellow of the British Computer Society, FBCS, and of the Operational Research Society, FORS, and a Chartered IT Professional (British Computer Society) CITP.
Professor Burke says: “I am delighted to be joining the University of Stirling as Deputy Principal responsible for Research. Stirling has a vibrant intellectual community and a reputation for research that responds to the needs of society. The University has been innovative from its very beginnings and I look forward to helping shape the University’s future development.”
Professor Gardner is currently professor of education in the School of Education at Queen’s University, Belfast and visiting Professor at Oxford University. During his career at Queen’s he has been head of the School of Education and Dean of the former Faculty of Legal, Social and Educational Sciences.
His main research and teaching areas include policy and practice in education, particularly in relation to assessment and information technology. He has over 120 academic publications and authored or co-authored seven books.
Professor Gardner says: “I am delighted to be appointed Deputy Principal responsible for Education and Students. These are interesting and challenging times for higher education in the economic environment we face, but I believe that Stirling’s research collaborations and high quality teaching will continue to produce significant results which will benefit communities throughout the world.”
Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Gerry McCormac says: “The appointment of these two eminent professors comes at a time when Stirling launches its Strategic Plan for the next five years. They will be joining a strong senior management team which will build on the institution’s existing strengths and help to reinforce Stirling’s position as a prominent force in education and research and to grow our reputation as a formidable seat of learning worldwide.”