Professor Phil Taylor has been appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath.
Professor Philip Taylor | Photo © University of Bristol
Prof Taylor is an internationally leading researcher and industry expert in energy systems, electrical distribution networks, smart grids, and energy storage integration and control.
His appointment follows a meeting of the University Council on Monday 8th January. He will take up office on 1st August.
Currently Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Bristol, Prof Taylor leads the £10m EPSRC Supergen Energy Networks Hub there and until May 2022 was Director and Co-Director for the £20m EPSRC National Centre for Energy Systems Integration.
He is also the Senior Responsible Owner for Isambard-AI, a £225m investment from the government to create the UK’s fastest AI Supercomputer.
In 2022, Prof Taylor was appointed by the government’s Chief Scientific Adviser to the Net Zero Innovation Board and became Chair of the Board for the GW4 alliance of the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action and a Visiting Professor at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University.
Prof Taylor said: “It is a real privilege to be appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath.
“As Pro Vice Chancellor at Bristol and Chair of Board for GW4, I have got to know the University of Bath as a partner over the last few years and am excited both by its achievements and potential.”
He added: “I very much look forward to working with colleagues to build on the University’s accomplishments and to ensure the dynamism and energy of the community continues to shape a successful and sustainable future, rooted in our region alongside truly international reach.”
Pamela Chesters CBE, Chair of Council, said: “Prof Taylor’s exceptional academic record, and strong experience in industry and commerce will help the University of Bath to build on its positive trajectory and achievements to date, under the leadership of Prof Ian White.
“I would like to thank members of the Committee on the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, chaired by the Chancellor, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and including representatives from Council, Senate, Professional Services and the President of the students’ union for the vital role they played.”
Prof Taylor’s extensive experience in industry includes at GEC Alstom, EPS (UK), Teradyne and Senergy Econnect.
Key achievements include developing diagnostic software for the automotive and aerospace sectors and designing the grid connection for the UK’s first commercial offshore wind farm. He is currently a non-executive director of Northern Powergrid.
The University’s Remuneration Committee has agreed to a salary for Prof Taylor of £280,000 with no bonus entitlement.
