She starts in post next month (August), succeeding Professor Ivan Parkin (UCL Chemistry), who served as MAPS Dean for 10 years.
Professor Taylor joins UCL from the University of Birmingham, where she served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, a role that involved overseeing more than 1,200 staff.
Welcoming the appointment, Professor Jennifer Hudson, Vice-Provost (Faculties), said: “Professor Taylor will provide strategic leadership for one of UCL’s world-leading faculties, working closely with colleagues to build on its outstanding reputation for excellence in research, education and innovation.
“I am delighted to welcome Professor Taylor to UCL and look forward to the expertise, vision and leadership she will bring to her role as Dean.”
Professor Taylor completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Professor Stephen Hawking and has built a global reputation for excellence in research, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Her career includes senior academic and leadership roles at the University of Southampton and the University of Amsterdam, alongside significant contributions to UK and international science policy, research funding and higher education.
She said: “It is a privilege to be taking on this role at one of the world’s leading universities, and to have the opportunity to work with colleagues across MAPS and the wider UCL community.
“I care deeply about building university partnerships and delivering impact from academic work across society. UCL has an exceptional innovation ecosystem – the London Knowledge Quarter is pulling ahead of Kendall Square around MIT – as well as deep connections across academia, industry, government and society.
“As a researcher who works on the foundations of AI, I am particularly excited about the two new national AI labs - SOFAIR, led out of UCL, and BOLD, led out of Oxford with UCL as partner.
“Thank you to colleagues at UCL for their support so far – I am very much looking forward to starting next month.”
Dr Michael Spence, UCL President & Provost, said: “The Faculty of Mathematical & Physical Sciences contains a phenomenal range of possibilities for researchers, with teams working on Mars missions and major particle experiments, reconciling fundamental theories of the universe, investigating the origin of life and finding ways for nanomaterials and quantum technology to improve medicine.
“I am immensely grateful to Professor Parkin for his outstanding leadership of MAPS over the last decade, and thrilled to welcome Professor Taylor to UCL. I look forward to the vision she brings for developing inclusive, high-performing academic communities.”
Professor Parkin, who holds the post of Sir William Ramsay Professor of Chemistry at UCL, has served as Dean of the faculty since 2016, strengthening its reputation for excellence across departments. Prior to that, he led the UCL Department of Chemistry.
Professor Parkin said: “It has been a true privilege to serve the UCL MAPS faculty over the last 10 years. I would like to thank the faculty and departmental staff for their support throughout this time. MAPS is in a strong position, with exciting projects ahead and an excellent team of Heads of Department, Professional Services leaders, and Vice Deans.
“I was pleased to learn of Marika’s appointment. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, both in leadership and in science, particularly mathematics and AI, including experience in an equivalent role at the University of Birmingham. I wish her every success in her new role as Dean.”
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81% of UCL students are satisfied with the quality of their course
The 2020 National Student Survey, published today, shows that 81% of UCL students are satisfied with the overall quality of their UCL education.
15 Jul 2020