RCA announces new professorships and readerships

The RCA’s annual call for applications for Professorship and Readership for eligible academic staff of the College took place earlier this year. The Professorial Board met in July and the outcomes have now been shared with applicants.

Those awarded Professorship in Academic Year 2023/24 are:

• Sarah Jones - Professor of Photographic Practice
• Dr Adrian Lahoud - Professor of Architecture and Urban Design
• Rut Blees Luxemburg - Professor of Urban Aesthetics
• Dr Peter Oakley - Professor of Material Culture
• Dr Ines Weizman - Professor of History and Theory of Architecture

Those awarded Readership in Academic Year 2023/24 are:

• Dr Danielle Barrios-O'Neill - Reader in Immersive Art and Design
• Gem Barton - Reader in Design Pedagogy
• Dr Mark Campbell - Reader in Architecture and Media
• Dr Ben Cranfield - Reader in Curatorial Theory and History
• Dr Daniel Fernández Pascual - Reader in Architecture and Spatial Practice
• Dr Chris McGinley - Reader in Inclusive Design
• Dr Bruna Petreca - Reader in Human Experience and Materials
• Alon Schwabe - Reader in Architecture and Spatial Practice
• John Slyce - Reader in Art, Theory and Practice
• Dr Harold Offeh - Reader in Performance and Social Arts Practice

This important scheme provides for the award of Professorship for significant academic and leadership contributions and also offers the award of Readership for staff with an actively developing track record of excellence in both teaching and research.

The scheme affirms the College’s commitment to recognising sustained achievements in academic leadership, research and scholarship, and in learning and teaching; and links recognition to clear published criteria. It is intended that these titles will be valuable to individuals in recognising their achievements, and will also provide appropriate indicators of esteem externally.

Commenting on this year’s awards, RCA President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christoph Lindner said:

“The impressive range of expertise across this year’s Professorship and Readership awards is testament to both the individual talent and vibrant academic community that is at the heart of everything we do at the Royal College of Art.

Congratulations to everyone receiving awards this year. These are significant achievements and reflect the commitment and ambition of our inspiring academic and research colleagues."

Dr Emma Wakelin, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, commented:

"I am delighted that we have been able to recognise the talent, hard work and dedication of our academic and research community through our Professorship and Readership scheme for Academic Year 2023/24.

Pathways for growth and achievement are key to celebrating and acknowledging the excellent work that takes place within our staff community and I would like to extend my congratulations to all those awarded this year.”