Exeter appoints Professor Zhongdong Wang as Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean for CEMPS

Professor Wang joins Exeter from the University of Manchester, where she is currently the Associate Dean for Internationalisation in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Professor Wang is due to start her new role in July, and takes over from current incumbent Professor Ken Evans, who will remain with the College.

Professor Wang enjoys a global reputation as one of the leading academics in her field, and brings a wealth of experience. She is internationally recognised in Electrical Power Engineering and her research specialisation is Power Transformers.

Professor Wang has been awarded significant research funds by leading international companies, established the Manchester transformer research consortium, and published 70 journal and 150 conference papers.

She was recently elected the UK Regular Member for the CIGRE Study Committee on Power Transformers. Her research interests include condition monitoring, ageing mechanisms of insulating materials, multi-physics modelling and the development of a digital twin for transformer asset management.

Professor Wang said: “I am truly delighted to be joining both the University of Exeter, and the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. It is a wonderful opportunity to lead such a talented, innovative and successful team and help build on their successes in the future.

“The College is at the forefront of research into some of the world’s greatest challenges – whether it be climate change, water security, data science or renewable energy –and together, we can meet these new challenges while inspiring future generations of student scientists on the international stage.”

Professor Ken Evans, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences said: “I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to Prof Wang on behalf of everyone in the College. I am sure that her experience and leadership will be a real asset not just to colleagues, but the University as a whole.

“I’d also like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has made my time as Pro-Vice-Chancellor so enjoyable and rewarding, and I look forward to carrying on my work here at the University concentrating on my role as a Professor in Materials Engineering.”

Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter, said: "I am delighted to welcome Zhongdong to the University of Exeter, who brings a wealth of talent, knowledge and expertise that will be pivotal to the continued success of the College, and the University.

“I would also like to thank Ken for the enthusiasm, dedication and hard-work he has carried out on behalf of the College during his tenure.”