Professor Kerry Kirwan appointed new Dean of WMG
Professor Kerry Kirwan has been announced as WMG’s new Dean, effective 1 August 2025. He succeeds Professor Robin Clark, who was appointed Dean of WMG in October 2020.
Professor Kirwan comes to the appointment with over 30 years’ experience at WMG, University of Warwick. He has been a part of the department since he completed his second-year project as part of his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Kerry Kirwan, Dean of WMG, University of Warwick, said:
“I’m honoured to be the next Dean of WMG. I look forward to working with great colleagues, along with our industry partners, students, and other academic institutions, as we move on to our next adventure.”
His undergraduate studies ignited his passion for sustainable materials, and he went on to complete a Master’s degree and Engineering Doctorate at WMG, specialising in circular economy, polymer processing, and industrial applications.
These are areas of expertise he shares while teaching the engineers of tomorrow as a Professor of Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing, and in his activities as the Chair of the Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Group. Previously, he served as the Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing and Strategic Director of the Industrial Doctorate Centre at WMG.
Welcoming the appointment, Professor Emma Flynn, Provost, University of Warwick, said:
“I am delighted to have appointed Kerry Kirwan into the role as Dean of WMG. He puts people, both internal and external, at the centre of his vision. He will build on, and extend, the unique strength of WMG.”
Over the last eight years, Kerry has also helped build impact and engagement across the University’s faculties and with key partners and funders as the University’s Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research).
You can find out more about Professor Kirwan, including his career history and research interests, by visiting his WMG staff profile.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
Caroline Binch, External Communications Officer, WMG, University of Warwick
General and out-of-hours press office number: +44 (0)7392 125605 (please call as emails are not checked out of office hours)
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Professor Kerry Kirwan, Credit: University of Warwick
About Professor Kerry Kirwan MEng, EngD, CEng, FIMMM
Professor Kerry Kirwan is Dean of WMG and a Trustee of The Alan Turing Institute.
Formerly Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at University of Warwick, Professor Kirwan provides expert investment, policy and strategy advice to international agencies, funders, and governments as the Chair of the Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Group at WMG.
He has also served as Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing and Strategic Director of the Industrial Doctorate Centre at WMG.
A Warwick Engineering Doctorate alumnus, Kerry specialises in circular economy, sustainable materials, polymer processing, and industrial applications. Driven by a passion for sustainable manufacturing, he has extensive experience in developing planet-friendly materials and has lent his expertise to a wide range of projects, including Waste2Race — a sewage-powered racing car.
His work has seen him win the British Science Association’s Isambard Kingdom Brunel Award Lecture and the IOM3 Thornton Gold Medal.
About the University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
1 August 2025