The new Global Chairs, from leading institutions in Australia, China, Italy and the USA, will join the University over the next two years to develop pioneering research collaborations, strengthen international partnerships and expand Bath's global academic networks.
The prestigious Global Chair scheme brings world-leading researchers to Bath to work alongside colleagues across the University, fostering innovative research, knowledge exchange and long-term strategic partnerships. This year's appointments reflect Bath's commitment to international excellence and its growing reputation for globally connected research and innovation with impact
Professor Manuel Barcia, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), said:
These six appointments represent both a celebration of Bath's achievements over the past six decades and a bold investment in its future. Working across a diverse range of disciplines, the new Global Chairs will contribute their expertise to some of the world's most pressing challenges while creating new opportunities for collaboration, discovery and impact. We look forward to working with them.
Professor Jianzhong Wu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), commented:
I am delighted with these appointments. The opportunity to collaborate with such distinguished researchers represents a significant milestone for our University's research ambitions. These partnerships will enable the exchange of ideas, expertise and talent, strengthening our collective capacity to deliver world-leading research. Importantly, our focus extends beyond individual projects to establishing enduring and sustainable collaborations that will continue to generate innovation, impact and opportunities for years to come.
Professor Andrea Aliverti
Politecnico di Milano
Professor Andrea Aliverti is an internationally renowned expert in biomedical engineering, respiratory physiology and digital wearable health technologies from Politecnico di Milano. Hosted by the Bath Institute of Augmented Human, his research focuses on developing innovative technologies to improve health monitoring, respiratory care and clinical decision-making. His appointment will strengthen Bath's expertise in digital health and human-centred technologies, supporting new collaborations at the intersection of engineering, healthcare and patient wellbeing.
Read more about Professor Andrea Aliverti
Professor Sharon Friel
Australian National University
Professor Sharon Friel is a globally recognised leader in public health, health equity and planetary health from the Australian National University. Hosted by the University of Bath’s Centre for 21st Century Public Health, her research explores how social, economic and environmental factors shape health outcomes and contribute to health inequalities. Through her Global Chair appointment, she will further enhance Bath's research on health equity, the commercial determinants of health and sustainable public policy, supporting collaborative efforts to address some of the most pressing public health challenges facing societies worldwide.
Find out more about Professor Sharon Friel’s work
Professor Yonatan Grad
Harvard University
Professor Yonatan Grad is a leading scholar in infectious diseases and Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Hosted by the Department of Life Sciences, his expertise in infectious disease dynamics, microbial genomics and antimicrobial resistance will support Bath's existing research into emerging health threats and support new collaborations between the UK and US on disease prevention and public health interventions.
Read more about Professor Yonatan Grad and his research
Professor Chongqing Kang
Tsinghua University
World-renowned researcher in electrical power systems, Professor Chongqing Kang, is hosted by the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Professor Kang is an internationally renowned leader in electrical power engineering, recognised for his pioneering research in developing cutting-edge models and methodologies to reduce the carbon intensity and the supply cost of electrical power systems. His appointment as Global Chair will enhance collaboration across key strategic areas including clean energy, sustainable power systems, electrified heat and transport and life-cycle assessment.
Learn more about Professor Chongqing Kang’s work
Professor Sarah Larney
Burnet Institute
World-leading expert on public health and in particular harm reduction for people who use drugs, Professor Larney is hosted by the Department of Social and Policy Sciences. Professor Sarah Larney is Co-Head, Alcohol and other Drugs Group at the Burnet Institute, a leading public health Institute in Melbourne, Australia. Professor Larney's Global Chair appointment will strengthen the University of Bath's internationally recognised research in addiction, harm reduction and public health. Working closely with colleagues across Bath’s new interdisciplinary Centre for Drug Use Research (CDUR), she will help advance collaborative research, joint publications and major international funding applications, as well as strengthening Bath's links with policy makers and public health organisations.
Find out more about Professor Sarah Larney’s research
Professor Maree Teesson
University of Sydney
Professor Maree Teesson, internationally renowned for work in mental health and substance use, is hosted by the Department of Psychology. Professor Maree Teesson is a Professor and Centre Director in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, where she founded The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use in 2018. The Centre is a globally recognised hub dedicated to improving outcomes for people affected by co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, bringing together researchers, clinicians, people with lived experience and community partners to develop and evaluate innovative prevention and treatment approaches.