Each of the Associate Pro Vice-Chancellors (APVCs) will lead across priority areas outlined in the Core Plan, reporting to Professor Dan Parsons (Pro Vice-Chancellor – Research and Innovation):
- Excellence and Focus – Professor Karen Coopman
- Impact and Internationalisation – Professor Ksenia Chmutina
The roles will be held initially for a four-year period beginning from 1 August 2025.
Karen is in expert in Biological Engineering, and is presently the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering. She is the Director of the EPSRC/MRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Regenerative Medicine and has held a variety of leadership roles within the Department and wider University including MSc programme lead and Director of Doctoral Programmes.
Karen commented: “I’m really pleased to take on the role of APVC Excellence and Focus. I’m excited to collaborate with R&I colleagues across both of our campuses to drive focus and excellence across the portfolio but in a way which supports an inclusive culture that also celebrates adventurous, blue sky thinking and interdisciplinary work.”
Ksenia is a Professor of Disaster Studies, based in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering. She is also the Director of the Institute of Advanced Studies and serves as the University’s Special Envoy for East Asia. Additionally, Professor Chmutina is the Co-Director of the MSc in International Sustainable Development, in collaboration with Loughborough University London.
Speaking of the appointment, Ksenia said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as an APVC Impact and Internationalisation, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues from across the University and also with our international partners to deliver our research and internationalisation strategies.”
Professor Dan Parsons added: “I am delighted that Karen and Ksenia will step into these key R&I leadership roles. Their dedication and expertise will be invaluable as we work together to realise the ambitions of the R&I core plan and broader University Strategy 2030. I eagerly look forward to collaborating with them both in these new roles.”