Professor Bloss will harness the creativity, ambition and expertise within the College to deliver truly transformative research and teaching.
The University of Birmingham has appointed Professor William (Bill) Bloss as its new Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences.
Having joined the University of Birmingham in 2007, Professor Bloss has held leadership roles, including Head of the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Interim Head of College. An expert in atmospheric science, his research focuses on the causes of poor air quality and supports policy interventions to protect human and environmental health.
“The College is entering a period of change and of enormous opportunity, and I’m both delighted and excited to be given the responsibility to help shape this future. I am particularly looking forward to working alongside colleagues whose creativity, ambition and expertise will enable us to deliver truly transformative research and teaching.”
Professor William Bloss, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences
While Interim Head of College, Professor Bloss oversaw a review of the College’s structure and purpose, which resulted in a new vision and a focus on interdisciplinary research in two primary areas: lifestyle and human health; and resilient environments and health. The two themes draw together current strengths across the College and enable both fundamental, curiosity-driven research and projects with direct routes through to engagement and impact.
Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham said: “Bill is an excellent leader with a proven ability to drive positive strategic and cultural change, making him the perfect person to lead our College of Life and Environmental Sciences. He embraces and encourages creative thinking, through his research – which engages with partners and policymakers to find practical solutions to environmental challenges – and in education, where the College is offering exciting new programmes in the UK and Dubai.”
Professor Bloss said: “The College is entering a period of change and of enormous opportunity, and I’m both delighted and excited to be given the responsibility to help shape this future. I am particularly looking forward to working alongside colleagues whose creativity, ambition and expertise will enable us to deliver truly transformative research and teaching.”
Professor Bloss leads the University’s WM-Air programme, and has led and participated in atmospheric research projects in Europe, India, China and elsewhere. His work on the West Midlands Combined Authority Air Quality Framework helps to improve air quality and health across the region.
Outside the University, Professor Bloss is a member of the Clean Air Advisory Panel for Wales and a Science Advisory Board member of the Scottish Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services division. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and former Chair of the RSC’s Environmental Chemistry Group.
The new direction for the College offers opportunities for the University to continue to improve its ranking among the world’s research-intensive universities. The QS World University Rankings saw Life Sciences & Medicine at the University of Birmingham jump 30 places in 2023, placing it joint 62nd in the world.
