Professor Alfonso Ngan to lead the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) fostering interdisciplinary research.
Professor Alfonso Ngan joins the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) as Director, where he will lead the Institute’s mission to foster interdisciplinary research collaboration. Reporting to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Rachel O’Reilly, Professor Ngan will shape IAS’ intellectual agenda and champion interdisciplinarity across the University.
The IAS mission is at the centre of the University’s research culture. Through workshops and fellowships, IAS brings University of Birmingham researchers together with peers within the University, and from other higher education institutions, across diverse disciplines to debate and discover new ideas and ways of thinking that address research challenges.
In his capacity as Director, Professor Ngan will strengthen IAS’ engagement with academic peers, as well as policymakers, funders, and other external partners, supporting the University’s Global Top 50 ambition. On his appointment, Professor Ngan said: “I am excited to take up this role and work with my academic peers at Birmingham and elsewhere, to enhance how interdisciplinarity can create new opportunities for impactful research and collaboration.”
I am excited to take up this role and work with my academic peers at Birmingham and elsewhere, to enhance how interdisciplinarity can create new opportunities for impactful research and collaboration.
In recent months, IAS has hosted workshops and visiting fellows on a range of themes: advancing microbiome-targeted therapies; addressing the needs of UK active study armed forces families; the role of language and communication in palliative and end-of-life care contexts; and area studies in the context of global uncertainties.
Professor Rachel O'Reilly MBE FRS, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, said: "Interdisciplinarity helps to push the boundaries of knowledge. It is critical to Birmingham’s research ambitions and our global influence. I am delighted to appoint Professor Alfonso Ngan to this role. His leadership will ensure the Institute of Advanced Studies continues to nurture a creative and collaborative environment for our academics so they can advance their research.”
Interdisciplinarity helps to push the boundaries of knowledge. It is critical to Birmingham’s research ambitions and our global influence. I am delighted to appoint Professor Alfonso Ngan to this role. His leadership will ensure the Institute of Advanced Studies continues to nurture a creative and collaborative environment for our academics so they can advance their research.
An alumnus of the University, Professor Ngan joined the University in March 2025 as the University’s first 125th Anniversary Chair in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences from the University of Hong Kong. Professor Ngan is also a Royal Society Wolfson Fellow, a Royal Academy of Engineering International Fellow, and a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering.
125th Anniversary Chair and Royal Society Wolfson Fellow
Professor Alfonso H W Ngan staff profile.
