University appoints Dean for London Campus

The University has appointed Professor Jeff Blackford as Dean of its London campus.

Professor Blackford has a background in Geography and Environmental Change, and joins Liverpool from the University of Hull, where he is currently Interim Head of Biological and Marine Sciences, and until recently Head of School of Environmental Sciences.  He has previously worked at the University of Manchester and Queen Mary, University of London.

Professor Fiona Beveridge, Executive-Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “Jeff brings with him a wealth of experience that will drive our progress in London across a wide range of areas, such as recruitment, employability, partnerships, applied research, professional training, and postgraduate education. We look forward to welcoming Jeff to the University.”

Professor Blackford said: “I am delighted to be joining The University of Liverpool, and especially the London campus. This is a great opportunity to develop productive links across the University, working on employability, professional and international connections, and broadening the range of provision in London. “

Professor Blackford’s most recent research includes projects around the impacts of large volcanic eruptions in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, and the human ecology of the late Mesolithic / early Neolithic periods in Europe.

Joining Hull in 2013, he helped form a new School that has produced excellent research and teaching. He was responsible for developing new undergraduate and postgraduate courses designed to meet changing demand, as well as reshaping and improving existing programmes.

He has also participated in University-wide projects including curriculum design across three Faculties, external partnerships, strategic planning and an estates review.

Professor Blackford joins the University on 1 May 2019.