Abertay appoints Professor Alastair Irons as Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Abertay appoints Professor Alastair Irons as Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Abertay University has appointed Professor Alastair Irons as its new Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Irons joins Abertay from the University of Sunderland where he is currently Professor of Computer Science and Academic Director for Digital Education.

Taking up post in July 2022, he will bring a broad range of experience across teaching, research, knowledge exchange and innovation, in addition to expertise forged through working in industry and projects around pedagogy, transnational/international education and online learning.

Professor Irons is originally from Stranraer in Scotland, but has lived in the north east of England since 1985, when he graduated from the University of Edinburgh.

Prior to joining the University of Sunderland in September 2008, he worked at ICI on Teesside, ONE North East and at Northumbria University.

Professor Irons became a National Teaching Fellow in 2010, was a visiting scholar at the University of Cape Town in South Africa from 2013 – 2017 and is a senior research associate at the University of Johannesburg.

Currently Vice President (Academic) of the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and Chair of the BCS Academy Board, Professor Irons also serves on the management board of DYNAMO North East, the management board of Sphere North East and is a trustee of the NE Futures UTC. 

Abertay University Principal, Professor Liz Bacon said: “I am delighted that Professor Irons will be joining Abertay our new Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Alastair is a respected academic in his field and has a wealth of expertise across a diverse range of key areas that will fit perfectly with our plans for growth and transformation. His vision and leadership will be central to the University’s collaborative approach to delivering the priorities in our Strategic Plan and to enhancing our student experience.

Professor Irons said: “I am very much looking forward to joining Abertay in the summer and to working with colleagues and students across the University, as we embrace the opportunities that lie ahead for teaching, research, innovation and the development of our campus. The strong values, friendly culture, and a commitment to delivering transformational impact for students are evident when visiting Abertay and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to help shape the journey ahead.”