The Global Chair programme is a flagship scheme run by the International Relations Office that provides funding for two internationally leading scholars in their field to join Bath as distinguished international visiting professors for a period of two academic years.
Building on the success of the scheme, which has attracted scholars across many disciplines and global regions, we are pleased to open the new call. There have been a few key strategic changes to the 2024/25 call which are detailed under nominees and selection criteria below.
As leading academic experts in their fields, Global Chairs are invited to engage in high-profile research collaboration at Bath and enhance our international networks in research and practice. In addition, we encourage our Global Chairs to network with our wider University community, connect with our alumni, and engage with the public. Previously this has involved providing inspiration and mentorship to students and early-career researchers, promoting engagement with policy and industry, and offering expert advice for institutional initiatives and communities of practice.
As ambassadors for our University, they help raise Bath's international reach and reputation as well as develop new partnerships for research and societal impact.
Previous Global Chair appointments have included:
Prof. John Warner (Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry). A prominent academic and industrial expert in green chemistry and sustainable technologies, Prof. Warner has facilitated Bath’s Green Chemistry Commitment, a global initiative embedding green chemistry principles into the undergraduate Chemistry curriculum.
Prof. Soraya Seedat (Stellenbosch University). A leading psychiatrist specialising in post-traumatic stress disorder among vulnerable populations in the Global South, Prof. Seedat's Global Chair supports Bath's strategic partnership in South Africa and our global research networks in the field of mental health.
Prof. Tianhong Cui (University of Minnesota). A leading expert on MEMS/NEMS and advanced manufacturing, Prof. Cui contributes to Bath's strategic priorities of healthcare technologies and sustainability.
Prof. Jacqui True (Monash University). A global expert on gender-inclusive peace-building, Prof. True lends further support to our strategic partnership with Monash University and enables new connections with the Monash Centre for Gender, Peace and Security.