New appointments: Head of School of Computing and Head of School of Engineering

Following a short period as Acting Head of School, Professor Morgan took up his new role on 1 March.

Graham has led industry focussed research for over 20 years in the areas of distributed systems, cloud computing, real-time simulations (video game technologies), and digital healthcare. He is the director of Networked and Ubiquitous Systems Engineering (NUSE) Group, jointly with Professor Rajiv Ranjan, in the School of Computing.

He is well known for establishing and leading the Game Technology Lab, which hosts the industry led Game Engineering MSc. This MSc has provided many global games companies, such as Activision, TT Games, Creative Assembly, Rockstar North, NVidia, and Ubisoft with over 350 alumni since its inception 10 years ago and has allowed participation on many of the top selling video games of all time.

Professor Morgan said: “This opportunity to help colleagues continue the outstanding contribution our School of Computing has made through its teaching, research, and technological innovations for over 60 years on the global stage is a privilege.

“Our School’s success is based not only on academic accomplishments, but turning those accomplishments into real-world impact that empowers, and drives, technological developments across all sectors of society. This technical development is tantalisingly close to delivering a future underpinned by digital technology that seemed like science fiction only a few years ago. Bordering on a future that depends so completely on digital technology makes this an exciting time for a computing scientist to take up this leadership role within a university with such a clear vision of how to deliver a better future for all.”

Professor Daniel Coca will join the University as Head of School of Engineering on 1 September.

Daniel is Professor of Nonlinear and Complex Systems with over 25 years’ experience in the field of engineering and higher education.  He is currently Head of Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering at The University of Sheffield, a role he has held for the past eight years.

His research interests include modelling, analysis and control of complex systems, machine learning and signal processing. He has a strong track record in working in a multidisciplinary context, building on the synergies between disciplines, and is adept at developing industry partnerships and building relationships with companies such as Rolls Royce, Airbus and Siemens, which will be of great importance and benefit to the University and its students.

Professor Coca said: “With its world-class reputation for research and teaching, its rich and proud history of innovation and impact, the School of Engineering at Newcastle is extremely well placed to make a significant contribution to tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our society. I am really excited to be able to take up the Head of School role and I look forward to joining colleagues in the School, the Faculty and the University to help shape and deliver the University vision and its ambition to make a meaningful and positive impact on the economy and society, not just locally and in the UK, but globally.”

Professor Stephanie Glendinning, Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, said: “I am delighted with our new Head of School appointments, both of whom I am confident will bring a fresh perspective to our School and Faculty activities.  Graham and Daniel’s extensive experience will complement and enhance our existing teams, enabling us to successfully deliver our Faculty priorities, including establishing strong industry partnerships and ensuring our students receive the best possible all-round experience.”