Meet Our People: Professor Richard Bucknall, Head of Department and Kennedy Chair

You've become HoD after working at a senior level in the department for many years; what have you found interesting or surprising about the role now that you are in it?

I have worked as Director of Research in Mechanical Engineering, as Vice Dean (Research) and Deputy Head of Department so stepping up to Head of Department and its responsibilities were predictable. The most interesting aspect has been to meet staff in the department and to learn what everyone does especially those whom I had not previously engaged with across academics, technical and professional services. It has been a great experience. The most surprising was how big the department is and how extensive it is with staff and students at Harwell in the west to Dagenham in the east!

The department has grown a lot in recent years. What is your vision for developing and managing the department in the coming years?

We are developing a strategy at this time but my pillars are to develop the educational programme and research programmes together and in a way, we are excellent in both. I believe ‘quality’ should be our primary driver in all we do in the department. In terms of management then we need to have more openness where we can, especially around our big decisions.

“My pillars are to develop the educational programme and research programmes together and in a way, we are excellent in both. I believe ‘quality’ should be our primary driver in all we do in the department.

What are some of the things colleagues might find surprising about you?

A good question probably best put to colleagues! If I was pushed I would say that not everyone is aware that I switched from an industry to academia mid-career and have predominantly worked on maritime research in my career.

Assuming there's some spare time from this demanding role, what do you do for fun and to relax?

I am a fully qualified ocean-going sailing instructor so I spend a lot of my spare time on the water training students from all walks of life. I also like rebuilding old cars and boats (I am currently working on an MGB Roadster), and I play rhythm guitar with a local band.

Life before UCL was some time ago, what are some of the roles you held before becoming an academic here?

‘Was some time ago’ makes me feel really old! I did begin my career with BP in those days engineering education sponsorship was the norm, and well paid! I worked in various roles including a spell on offshore rigs. I also worked for the UK Ministry of Defence on research for naval electric/electronic systems working alongside industry.