Professor Tim Bedford of the University of Strathclyde has been elected Vice President of CESAER, the strong and united voice of universities of science and technology in Europe, for 2024-2025.
Professor Bedford, Associate Principal of Research and Knowledge Exchange, was nominated for the role alongside second Vice President Professor Jennifer Herek of University of Twente by President Orla Feely and elected by the Board of CESAER at a meeting in Ghent, Belgium.
As a member of the CESAER Presidency, Professor Bedford will help to steer the activities and strategy of the Association with the Board and the Secretariat. Professor Bedford is also co-chair of CESAER’s Task Force Innovation.
The appointment comes as the UK joins the Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes following a bespoke new agreement with the EU which allows UK researchers to apply for grants and bid to take part in projects as a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027.
CESAER, an association of more than 50 leading universities of science and technology in Europe – including Strathclyde – is a formal stakeholder partner of the European Research Area and one of the principal bodies that works with the European Commission to develop EU framework programmes for research and innovation.
In October, Strathclyde will also host CESAER’s annual meetings on the theme of Innovation Districts – from Deep Tech and Entrepreneurship to Inclusive Innovation. The CESAER annual meetings are the Association’s main events of the year and will include, among others, a meeting of the General Assembly, a high-level conference and various workshops.
Crucial role
Professor Bedford said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be elected as Vice-President of CESAER, an organisation that I have been closely involved with for many years and one which plays a crucial role in representing and championing Universities of science and technology and their value and contribution to European society. As a European technological University, Strathclyde greatly values the close and enduring partnerships it has built with sister institutions across the continent.
“I also greatly look forward to working with President Feely in this role and welcoming CESAER colleagues to the association’s annual meetings later this year in Glasgow. This important event will allow Strathclyde to showcase the impact of our sector-leading model of working in collaboration with government, industry and academia in Glasgow City Innovation District and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland as well as our entrepreneurship and community outreach activities.”
Strathclyde’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Jim McDonald served a two-year term as President of CESAER between January 2018 and December 2020. Under his leadership, CESAER embarked upon an ambitious two-year plan to accelerate the Association’s development, engagement with external bodies and collaboration between Members.