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.

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 from 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 2 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, 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), comprising of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education & Global), 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 Friday 8th March 2024.

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