Events

Inspiring Science Lecture Series: Some sound lessons in research and innovation

Inaugural Lecture from Professor Philip Nelson CBE, FREng

Event details

Information

As part of the Inspiring Science Lecture Series from the College of Engineering Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Professor Philip Nelson CBE, FREng, Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter, Professor of Acoustics in the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at the University of Southampton and former Executive Chair, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), will join us for his inaugural lecture.

Abstract

The UK government has pledged to increase spending on research and innovation from 1.7% to 2.4% of Gross Domestic Product by 2027. A sharp rise in government spending from about £6bn to £8bn per annum is already being delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a new arms-length body formed following the Higher Education and Research Act 2017. The scale of change to the UK system of research and innovation is unprecedented. Professor Nelson has been closely involved in the formation of the new body, having served during the last few years as Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Chair of Research Councils UK. He will describe the new opportunity from a personal perspective, drawing on his own experience of working in industry and academia.

Biography

Philip Nelson holds the post of Professor of Acoustics in the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at the University of Southampton. He has personal research interests in the fields of acoustics, vibrations, signal processing, control systems and fluid dynamics and is the author or co-author of 2 books, over 120 papers in refereed journals, 30 granted patents, and over 200 other technical publications. He served from 2005-2013 as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, with particular responsibility for Research and Enterprise.

Philip previously served as Director of the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research and as Director of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise. Professor Nelson is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He is the recipient of both the Tyndall and Rayleigh Medals of the Institute of Acoustics, and was President of the International Commission for Acoustics from 2004-2007. He also served as the Chair of the Sub-Panel for General Engineering in REF 2014.

From 2014 he has been Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and took on the role of Chair of the RCUK Executive Group from October 2015. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2018 New Year Honours for his services to UK Engineering and Science.

Programme

Time Activity
13.30

Introduction and welcome

Professor Sir Steve Smith FAcSS, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, University of Exeter.
13.35

Some sound lessons in research and innovation

Professor Philip Nelson CBE, FREng, Honorary Professor, University of Exeter.
14.10

Q&A Session

Chaired by Professor Janice Kay CBE, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor
14.25 Vote of thanks

Professor Janice Kay CBE, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor
14.30 Close

Inspiring Science Lecture Series

Inspiring Science is an open lecture series in which high-profile speakers from inside and outside of the University speak about their research and careers in their respective scientific fields. The series includes the Inaugural Lectures and Athena SWAN lectures, and is open for all to attend.

Registration

Please register your interest in attending this inaugural lecture via the online registration form.

If you have any questions please contact research-events@exeter.ac.uk.

Professor Philip Nelson CBE, FREng is an Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter and former Executive Chair at EPSRC.

Location:

Harrison Building 004, Streatham Campus