Acting Vice-Chancellor announced

Computer scientist Professor Maria Fasli will be the University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor from 1 August 2024.

An international recognised expert in computer science, artificial intelligence and data analytics, Professor Fasli will take on the role for a 12-month period after being officially appointed by the University’s governing body Council.

Professor Fasli has undertaken numerous key leadership roles at the University of Essex and has been a member of the University Steering Group since 2019 as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Health.

She will take on the role when current Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster retires at the end of July after 12 remarkable and transformational years. 

Chair of Council Jane Hamilton, who also chaired the Selection Panel, said: “I am delighted that Professor Fasli will be our new Acting Essex Vice-Chancellor. Her experience, creativity, passion for the University, and vision for its continued success – including responding to the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead for us – shone through.”

Professor Fasli said: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor and continue to serve the University in this key role. I look forward to working with colleagues to support an environment of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education and research and together continue to offer our students a transformative experience at Essex.”

Alongside her work at Essex, Professor Fasli has held the title of UNESCO Chair in Analytics and Data Science since 2016 and plays an international role in addressing the challenges of helping developing and transitioning countries to gain the data science and analytics skills they need for the 21st century.

She been based at Essex for more than 25 years. She completed her PhD at Essex in 2000 and was appointed a professor in 2012. She was Head of the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering from 2009 and 2014. She was founding Director of the Institute of Analytics and Data Science between 2014 and 2019 and continues to serve as Director of the ESRC Business and Local Government Data Research Centre, a role she took on in 2018.