The University of Manchester is pleased to announce that Professor Steve Eichhorn FREng will take up the position of Director of Royce Manchester, leading Manchester’s contribution to the national Henry Royce Institute, from November this year.
This is a significant leadership role at the heart of both the University and Royce, the UK’s national institute for advanced materials research and innovation. As the lead Partner and host of Royce, Manchester plays a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s materials research and innovation landscape.
As Director of Royce Manchester, Professor Eichhorn will provide strategic leadership across Royce activities in Manchester ensuring strong alignment with the national Institute while advancing the University’s ambitions across the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Materials science and engineering are central to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society today, from clean energy and sustainability to advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and healthcare.
Royce is accelerating the discovery, development and deployment of advanced materials to support a sustainable and prosperous UK. Manchester, as the hub of this national endeavour brings together world-class facilities, outstanding academic and technical expertise and strong partnerships with industry.
Professor Eichhorn is an internationally recognised materials scientist whose research and leadership have made significant contributions to the field. He is an expert in cellulosic materials, natural fibre composites and biomimetic/functional materials.
In his new role, he will work closely with the Royce CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, University and Faculty leadership and Royce Partners across the UK to ensure Royce Manchester continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the national materials innovation ecosystem.
Professor Steve Eichhorn said:
“I am delighted to be taking up this position as the Director of the Henry Royce Institute at Manchester. The Institute at Manchester holds huge potential, and I relish the challenge in helping to make things happen. I look forward to working with colleagues to bring about real impact in the materials science that we can do at Manchester, and in collaboration with the whole of Royce, its national and international partners, and the local region. It is of course a return for me to Manchester and Materials Science, having left here in 2011. I am pleased to be back in the city where I was born and subsequently raised academically!”
Welcoming the appointment, Professor Sarah Sharples, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Member of the Royce Governing Board, said:
“We know we are in a period of incredible societal change, and to rise to that moment, partnership sits at the heart of our mission – with universities, industry and government. We need to translate the incredible discoveries that emerge from scientists and engineers into impact and innovation. Steve’s appointment is extremely important. He brings an outstanding record of leadership with a strong commitment to values-led leadership within science and engineering nationally and internationally. His stewardship will further strengthen collaboration through Royce and ensure research from Manchester helps drives the UK’s ambitions for innovation-led growth and continues to deliver transformative impact at a global scale.”
Professor David Knowles, Royce CEO added:
“Steve’s deep understanding of the advanced materials landscape alongside his long-standing commitment to the Royce mission as a former member of our Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) makes him exceptionally well placed to lead Royce Manchester through the next phase of its development. Manchester of course is at the heart of the Henry Royce Institute and plays a vital role in connecting world-leading research with regional industrial innovation and national priorities. I look forward to working closely with Steve as we continue to strengthen Royce’s impact across the UK.”
