Key appointment to lead engineering and physical sciences college

Professor Stephen Garrett has joined Aston University as pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

He will lead the college 's teaching and learning in biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, logistics and supply chain management, as well as its world class research in bioenergy, photonics and urban technologies and the environment.

Professor Garrett studied theoretical physics and applied mathematics at the University of Birmingham and went on to do a PhD in engineering at the University of Cambridge.

He returned to Birmingham as a trainee actuary before moving to the academic sector as a lecturer in applied mathematics at the University of Leicester.

Since then, he has held several leadership roles. His research interests are in fluid mechanics and lie across the boundary between applied mathematics and engineering.

Professor Garrett (pictured) said: “One of the reasons I am excited to be starting in this new role is because Aston University works towards solving real world problems.

“We prepare our graduates for an increasingly diverse and technological world with hands-on, active learning and our applied research addresses the needs of industry and of society. We are producing the next generation of problem solvers.

“The ethos of the University is in line with what a modern higher education institution should be.

“Research in areas such as biofuel and photonics have the potential to change the world for the better. I 'm particularly enthusiastic about the possibilities of data driven decision-making. The pandemic has left everyone with a much better appreciation of the importance of it in informing decisions. Health is therefore an obvious area for its application but there's also business - Aston University can make a particularly strong contribution to both.

“For me, a new focus on data and the digital domain more broadly is the next evolution of the College and I very much want to work closely with the other two colleges - the College of Business and Social Sciences and the College of Health and Life Sciences - to push this forward.

"As someone who was brought up near Redditch and studied in Birmingham it is great to be back in the city. Birmingham made a huge impact on the world within the areas of science and engineering and it is fantastic that Aston University is pushing forward the region and its people. ”

Professor Garrett is originally from Inkberrow just south of Redditch. He is married to Yvette and they have two boys, aged 12 and 14.