Professor Naren Barfield to step down as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of the Royal College of Art

Professor Barfield said:

“After more than 30 years in higher education without a break, it is now time to pause, consider next steps, and to focus on my research and practice as well as a new leadership journey. 

“It has been a privilege to lead the academic mission of the RCA for the past 13 years working with, and learning from, the most talented and committed colleagues and students anywhere. I have been blessed to have experienced the great heights, and considerable challenges, of a radically changing higher education landscape during this time, and have been acutely aware of the responsibility and influence that the RCA holds for so many. I cannot thank enough, the current and former colleagues, students, donors, and Council members who have dedicated themselves to the success of the RCA and its community, and to the incredible sense of belonging and bond to the organisation that anyone whom the RCA touches, feels so deeply.

“Nonetheless, there is a time to join an organisation or community, and also a moment to do other things while time remains to do so. I am intensely aware that there are many projects, ideas and opportunities that I want to explore, and that they will outlast the time that I have available to do them. 

“It has been incredibly exciting and rewarding to work with so many talented people, as they have developed new areas of research and pedagogy, including integrating art and design with science and technology, and delivering new research centres, facilities and international collaborations. Recognising the importance of linking research and teaching, this has enabled the RCA to grow programmes of study, continuing to increase access, diversity, and belonging at the RCA, along with the critical underpinning of financial aid and scholarships. As an internationalist, I am especially proud of the partnerships the RCA has made around the world in teaching, short courses, executive education, knowledge exchange and research.”

“The RCA has been ranked the #1 art and design university for 10 consecutive years, and is the most research-intensive university of art and design. It is not, however, the best because we say we are, or even because the rankings say so; but because we demonstrate it every single day, in teaching, in research, in creativity, in innovation and entrepreneurship, and in addressing global, planetary and social challenges and inequalities; and because we are, always have been, and always will be, committed to the application of creativity to create real-world impact that improves lives.”

The RCA, added: “We would like to thank Naren for his huge contribution to the College over the past 13 years. He has been an instrumental part of the College’s success in changing and challenging times, and has been a great supporter of the work of our staff and students, and the importance of creative education in the UK and internationally. We are delighted he will be an Emeritus Professor and Fellow of the College, and we are sure you will join us in wishing him all the best in his future projects.”