The Global Chair Scheme, a prestigious programme managed by the International Relations Office, provides funding for two internationally leading scholars in their field to join the University as distinguished international visiting professors for a period of two academic years.

Building on the success of the Scheme, which has attracted scholars from across many disciplines and global regions, we are pleased to open the new call.

As leading academic experts in their fields, Global Chairs are invited to engage in high-profile research collaboration at Bath and enhance the University's international networks in research and practice. In addition, Global Chairs are encouraged to get to know the 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.

The current 2024/26 Global Chairs are:

• Prof. Steven Farber (Johns Hopkins University. An eminent researcher in lipid metabolism in the zebrafish, Professor Farber is hosted by the Department of Life Sciences and the Milner Centre for Evolution.

• Prof. Scott Kelso (Florida Atlantic University). A leading researcher in complex systems, cognitive science, and neuroscience, Prof. Kelso is hosted by the Bath Institute for the Augmented Human and the Institute for Policy Research.

Previous Global Chair appointments have included:

• Prof. Dennis Broeders (Leiden University). A leading expert in cyber governance and security, Prof. Broeders' Global Chair contributed towards Bath's strategic priority of digital security.

• Prof. John Warner (Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry). A prominent academic and industrial expert in green chemistry and sustainable technologies, Prof. Warner 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 supported 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's Global Chair contributed to Bath's strategic priorities of healthcare technologies and sustainability.

For Global Chair nominees

Distinguished academics who are international leaders in their field and are established at a top 200 QS ranked institution outside the UK. We encourage nominations of scholars who engage with the world of practice and in addition to their scholarly achievements, have affiliations or networks with industry, policy or community organisations. Global Chairs are appointed for a period of two years and are invited to spend time on the Bath campus at points throughout the appointment.

For Bath nominators

Nominations of a Global Chair must be led and submitted by two or more academic staff members of any discipline from a Centre, Institute or Department from the Education and Research job family at the University of Bath, with a contract of employment for the full duration of the proposed project.

Selection criteria

For this call, we will prioritise nominations that meet all of the following criteria:

• An international leader in their field from a top 200 QS ranked institution outside of the UK;

• The application should clearly outline how the Global Chair will contribute to Bath's REF submission;

• The nominee should align with one of more of the University's priority research themes, including the Bath Beacons;

• The nominee should be affiliated with more than one PI in an area of strength within a Faculty/School, an Institute, Beacon or Centre;

• The nominee should hold a successful track record in previous funding bids, for example NIH, the British Academy or Horizon Europe.

In addition to undertaking an agreed programme of research, Global Chairs will contribute to the University in a variety of ways. For example:

• Mentoring and interaction with students or early-career researchers through master classes, career advice, seminars or research meetings;

• Public engagement, including a public lecture or other events accessible to the wider University community and members of the local public;

Selection panel

Nominations will be reviewed by the Head of Department and Dean in the first instance. Final decisions on appointments will be made by a selection panel chaired by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research), and inlcuding the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education & Global), the four Associate Deans (International), and representatives from Research & Innovation Services, the Advancement Office and the International Relations Office.

Nominations should be submitted via this Microsoft form by Monday 10th March 2025.

The IRO has developed guidelines and a cost plan which are available to review.

We encourage nominators to discuss their proposal with your Associate Dean International and the International Relations Office ahead of the deadline. Please contact internationalfunding@bath.ac.uk.

Deadlines