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New Heads of Schools appointed
17/03/2022
The University of Wolverhampton has appointed two new heads of school for Public Health studies and Psychology.
Professor Farzad Amirabdollahian will become the Head of the School of Public Health studies as well as Associate Dean for the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing. Professor Chris Bridle will become Head of the School of Psychology as well as contributing to our Research Excellence Framework.
Professor Damien Page, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing said: “I’m delighted to welcome Farzad and Chris to the Faculty.
“With their outstanding expertise in leadership, research and teaching, I look forward to working with them as they lead the new schools of Public Health Studies and Psychology into even greater excellence.
Professor Farzad Amirabdollahian is a senior academic at Liverpool Hope University. His previous roles throughout the last decade have included Deputy and Assistant Head of the School, and Head of Nutrition and Biosciences within the School of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, while before that he held various academic positions at Liverpool Hope University, Coventry University, University of Hertfordshire, and London Metropolitan University, as well as working as a health promotion officer and teacher within the public and private sectors.
He has a wide range of teaching and research experiences and has published more than 70 peer-reviewed research outputs. He is a trustee, director, and elected member of the Council, and the Chair of the Certification Committee of the professional accreditation body, the Association for Nutrition. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Fellow of the Institute of Food Sciences and Technology, a Chartered Scientist, and a Registered Nutritionist with expertise in Public Health.
Farzad said: ‘’I am really excited about joining the University of Wolverhampton, an inclusive modern university with an extensive track record of success in widening access and participation, public and community engagement, and contribution to growth and development of the region.
“I have been inspired by the University’s Vision 2030, and the notion of the transformation of the leadership and workforce through inclusive students’ success and world-class research.
“I am really looking forward to joining the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing as an associate dean, and working with multidisciplinary groups of education and health professionals across the faculty which is an integral part of the social change within our region and beyond.
“It will also be a privilege to lead the School of Public Health Studies, as I am inspired by learning about the wide range of expertise, innovation, and contribution of my colleagues. I think the school is in an excellent position to tackle the local, national, and global health challenges through training health professionals who are well-prepared in their disciplines, and well-rounded global citizens.’’
Professor Chris Bridle is currently Head of School of Psychology at the University of Bedfordshire. Previously, Chris was Founding Director of the Lincoln Institute for Health at the University of Lincoln and led the rehabilitation clinical trials portfolio at Warwick Medical School. Chris is recognised internationally for the quality of his research in systematic reviews and clinical trials of behavioural interventions.
After completing an access to Higher Education course, Chris graduated from the University of Kent with a BSc, MSc and PhD in Social Psychology, Applied Psychology and Health Psychology, respectively. Before entering Higher Education, Chris spent several years in the British Army, having joined straight from School aged 16 years.
Chris said: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining the University of Wolverhampton. I am passionate about increasing access to education for those from academically non-traditional backgrounds, whilst at the same time ensuring the delivery of teaching and pastoral support that enables achievement of full potential. Just like the University of Wolverhampton, I believe in the transformational power of education for individuals and the communities we serve.
“I am also very excited to be joining the School of Psychology, particularly working with colleagues to build upon the School’s first submission to the Research Excellence Framework and to secure external recognition for the excellence of their research. It will be a privilege to work with colleagues who, through a commitment to excellence in both teaching and research, have a positive impact on the lives of people regionally, nationally and internationally.”
Both Farzad and Chris will join the University in April.
For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.
