University Vice-Chancellor appointed to Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Professor Bill Wakeham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, has been appointed to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
The EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences, investing around £500 million a year in a broad range of subjects. The Council works in partnership with universities to invest in people and scientific discovery and innovation, and it also actively promotes public engagement in science, engineering and technology.
Professor Wakeham comments: "I am looking forward to contributing to the work of the EPSRC at what is an exciting and challenging time for UK science and engineering. The EPSRC has embraced its role in ensuring that the artificial barriers that exist between the broad range of areas that it funds, from nanotechnology to climate change, do not impede progress. Its programmes recognise that science is international, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary in nature.
"The UK produces some of the best science and the best scientists in the world, yet the number of young people who choose physics and engineering degrees is continuing to fall. The UK's success in science and engineering is vital to our prosperity, and a supply of highly skilled scientists, engineers and technicians is critical to our future economic success."
Professor Wakeham will serve as a Council member for four years.
Notes for editors
- A digital image of Professor Wakeham is available from Media Relations on request.
- The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship. The University has around 20,000 students and nearly 5000 staff. Its annual turnover is in the region of £270 million.
- The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK's main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. EPSRC invests more than £500 million a year in research and postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and mathematics to materials science. This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone's health, lifestyle and culture. EPSRC also actively promotes public awareness of science and engineering. EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils with responsibility for other areas of research. The Research Councils work collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK. Website address for more information on EPSRC: www.epsrc.ac.uk/.