News

The University of Strathclyde has appointed Professor Stephen McArthur as its new Principal & Vice-Chancellor.

Professor McArthur, currently Associate Principal and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University, will take over the role from Professor Sir Jim McDonald when he steps down on 31st August.

A two-time graduate from Strathclyde, having studied at undergraduate and PhD level at the University, Professor McArthur holds the position of Distinguished Professor of Intelligent Systems.

His expertise lies in the field of artificial intelligence in power and energy systems.

Professor McArthur said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed as the next Principal of the University. Over many years, I have experienced my colleagues’ dedication to delivering an outstanding student experience, underpinned by high quality research that delivers impact across business, industry and the third sector. I am looking forward to building on our successes, and continuing to deliver the education, research and innovation that modern society requires, both at home and internationally.”

Professor McArthur is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and the Institute of Engineering and Technology, as well as a board member of Scottish Enterprise and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland. He is also co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Bellrock Technology, a Strathclyde spinout company that supports the effective and rapid deployment of intelligent systems, AI and data analytic products and services across industry sectors including energy, healthcare and rail transport.

In 2021, he won the IEEE Richard Harold Kaufmann Award for outstanding contributions in industrial systems engineering for “innovative contributions to the advancement of intelligent systems for power engineering applications”.

Dame Sue Bruce, Convener of the University Court, Strathclyde’s governing body, said: “I am delighted to announce Professor McArthur’s appointment as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde.

“His appointment follows an extensive, exhaustive and competitive recruitment process which saw a number of highly qualified and exceptional candidates evaluated and interviewed, from which Professor McArthur stood out.

“He brings an outstanding record of achievement both as an academic and a leader and articulated an exciting vision for the University. Over the course of his career, he has clearly demonstrated strategic thinking and the leadership qualities that will help Strathclyde to continue in its mission as a leading international technological University, that is socially-progressive.

“The Court also wishes to record its appreciation for Sir Jim's leadership over the past 16 years, during which he has overseen major transformation, strengthening and successful repositioning of the University of Strathclyde."

Regards,

Karen Boyle
Head of Alumni & Development