Ian Allison

Bringing cutting edge science and business together: a model for the University of the 21st Century

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has appointed Professor Ian Allison as its new Executive Dean of Engineering and Digital Technology.

The experienced academic joins UCLan from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) where he held the position of the Dean of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences. His role at UCLan will commence on 1 November, 2018.

Prior to his role at UWS, the former software engineer and project manager was Head of the School of Computing Science and Digital Media at Robert Gordon University (RGU).

Chair of the Digital Skills Partnership Board, he is also a Board member of the Centre for Engineering Education and Development and is on the Scottish Government’s STEM strategy implementation advisory board.

In his new role at UCLan, Ian will provide strategic direction to the University’s Faculty of Science and Technology, enhancing its academic and professional reputation and strengthening academic provision, supporting the University’s plans for engineering, digital and creative industries.

Commenting on his appointment, Ian said: “I’m delighted to be joining at this exciting time for the University. I look forward to working with colleagues to create a fantastic, distributive learning and innovation environment to fulfill the ambition evident in the new Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC). As someone who is passionate about engaging with practice, I put students and employers at the centre of our approach to learning, skills development, technical innovation and the application of research to enable impact from all we do.”