New Faculty of Humanities Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation appointed at The University of Manchester
Professor James Evans has been appointed as the new Faculty of Humanities Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation at The University of Manchester.
Professor James Evans has been appointed as the new Faculty of Humanities Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation at The University of Manchester. He will move from his current role as the Faculty鈥檚 Associate Dean for Research to take up the Vice-Dean position on 1 August 2026.
James is Professor of Human Geography in the School of Environment, Education and Development. His research explores how cities can become smarter and more sustainable through urban experimentation, helping governments and communities learn, innovate and respond to complex societal challenges.
In addition to being Associate Dean for Research, he has held a number of leadership roles across the University, including Head of the Department of Geography, Director of the 91直播 Urban Institute and Academic Lead for Sustainability.
Professor Fiona Devine, Vice-President and Dean, said:
I am thrilled that James has been appointed as our new Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation.
He is an exceptional academic who has led numerous interdisciplinary research programmes with cities and partners around the world, and is a strong advocate for the role of universities in addressing global challenges through research, innovation and collaboration. He regularly chairs research evaluation and funding panels for UK and international funding agencies.
In his new role, he will provide strategic leadership for research and innovation across the Faculty of Humanities. I know he will support our research colleagues as they continue to make a positive contribution to our communities locally, nationally and internationally, and enhance our reputation as a research-intensive Faculty and University.
James said:
I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve as Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation. Our Faculty brings together an extraordinary breadth and depth of expertise, and I look forward to working with colleagues to support research excellence, create the conditions for ambitious, interdisciplinary research, and address major societal challenges in ways that deliver real impact.
James will take up the Vice-Dean for Research role from Professor Maggie Gale, who will become the new Head of the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures in the Faculty of Humanities on 1 August.