Brunel University London has appointed Professor Stefaan Simons as Dean of the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences.
Prof Simons joins Brunel from University College London where he was the Vice-Dean (international) in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Director of the Centre for CO2 technology and Professor of Chemical Engineering.
An expert in the field of chemical engineering, he has a particular interest in energy and climate change, a key research area within Brunel. His research is very industry-focused and deals with providing innovative solutions to modern problems. He is well versed in multidisciplinary research and building relationships with key industry partners.
With a reputation for innovation in education, Prof Simons is also a keen believer in the value of practical problem solving as a key element within engineering degrees.
Prof Simons said he was delighted to have been selected for the new role, attracted to Brunel University London by the strong interdisciplinary links between engineering and design within the college, which he sees as a unique strength and something on which he looks forward to supporting and expanding.
Professor David Gilbert, who has acted as dean of the college since its inception, will rejoin the department of computer science as Professor of Computer Science and co-director of the Brunel Centre for Systems and Synthetic Biology. The university thanks Prof Gilbert for leading the college at a critical stage of its development.