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Professor Kit Windows-Yule named Deputy Chair of Regional Defence & Security Cluster Advisory Board

Professor Christopher "Kit" Windows-Yule’s appointment as deputy chair will help shape regional defence and security ambitions

15 September 2026
Professor Kit Windows-Yule.

Professor Christopher “Kit” Windows-Yule, Director of Innovation in Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham, has been appointed Deputy Chair of the inaugural Advisory Board for the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster (WM RDSC). His appointment reinforces the University’s role in supporting innovation, skills development and economic growth in the UK’s defence and security sector.

Through his work at the University, Professor Windows-Yule has brought researchers, investors and businesses together to turn cutting-edge research into practical products and technologies across sectors including manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods, green energy and pharmaceuticals. His experience will support WM RDSC’s efforts to help local organisations take advantage of opportunities across the UK’s defence and security sector.

The West Midlands is home to globally recognised strengths in advanced manufacturing, engineering and digital technologies. With more than 23,500 jobs for people in the West Midlands and £1.7 billion in annual Ministry of Defence spending coming into the region, the WM RDSC has been established as part of a national programme to bring together businesses, universities and other innovation and public sector partners to see that foundation strengthened. WM RDSC launched in May 2026 and is a partnership-led initiative, with core delivery support from the West Midlands Growth Company.

The University of Birmingham and the West Midlands have deep expertise in advanced manufacturing, engineering and digital technologies, all of which have a vital role to play in supporting national security and sovereign capabilities. I look forward to supporting WM RDSC’s work to bring these strengths together, creating new opportunities for businesses and showcasing the region’s capabilities.

Kit Windows-Yule
Professor Kit Windows-Yule
Professor of Digital Particle Technology

Major General (Retired) Robin Anderton-Brown chairs the Board, with Professor Windows-Yule serving as one of two Deputy Chairs alongside Lieutenant Colonel John Tucker. Bringing together leaders from defence, industry, academia and innovation, the Board will provide strategic advice, challenge and advocacy as the WM RDSC develops its activity to enhance the region’s contribution to the UK’s defence and security priorities.

I am delighted to welcome Professor Windows-Yule to the Advisory Board. His experience working across innovation, advanced computing and emerging technologies will be invaluable as we work to connect local capabilities with national opportunities.

Major General (Retired) Robin Anderton-Brown
Chair of the WM RSDC Advisory Board

Professor Windows-Yule, a two-time Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Fellow and Royal Society Industry Fellow, combines research, industrial and entrepreneurial experience through his roles at the University of Birmingham and technology company EvoPhase. His work spans advanced imaging, AI, numerical modelling and the optimisation of industrial processes. He also serves as Deputy Director of Baskerville, one of the UK’s leading advanced computing facilities that supports AI, simulation and data-intensive research.

The appointment further strengthens the University of Birmingham’s contribution to ensuring research and innovation developed in the West Midlands can contribute to future national security and resilience challenges. The University is also a founding member of the Defence Universities Alliance and future students will benefit from access to courses supported through government investment in engineering and defence skills development.

Notes for editors

For more information, please contact the University of Birmingham Press Office on +44 (0)121 414 2772

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Featured staff

  • Professor Kit Windows-Yule

    Professor of Digital Particle Technology

    Kit Windows-Yule is a Professor of Digital Particle Technology in the School of Chemical Engineering, working jointly with the School of Physics and Astronomy's Positron Imaging Centre.

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