Institutional development · Leadership and governance · United Kingdom
Surrey hires Loughborough's Paul Conway as engineering faculty chief from January 2027
Professor Paul Conway moves from Loughborough to head Surrey's engineering and physical sciences faculty as pro-vice-chancellor, replacing Professor Bob Nichol in January 2027.
Why it matters: Staff and students in Surrey's engineering and physical sciences faculty will report to a new pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean from January 2027.
Surrey said it selected Professor Conway, now based at Loughborough University, after a wide search beyond the UK, naming him pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean for its engineering and physical sciences faculty, known as FEPS.
He begins in January 2027, taking over from Professor Bob Nichol, who became head of FEPS in 2022 and leaves the post as his five-year term ends, the university said.
According to Surrey, Professor Conway headed Loughborough's Wolfson School, which covers mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineering, between 2014 and 2025.
Surrey said his work centres on new ways of making electronics, such as building sensors into products and plants, and that he has run large hubs where academics and companies collaborate.
Editor’s view
Abigail Taylor, Leadership and Governance Editor
Leadership of Surrey's engineering and physical sciences faculty passes from Professor Nichol to Professor Conway when the new appointee arrives in January 2027.
What to watch
- Professor Conway is due to begin at Surrey in January 2027.
