Royal Agricultural University chancellor shares exciting announcement

New job roles have been created for two professors, professor Duncan Westbury and professor Olivier Sparagano, who joined the Cirencester-based university at the end of last year.

Professor Westbury, who joined the RAU from the University of Worcester where he had spent 12 years as a principal lecturer in environmental management, has been appointed dean of land and property management. 

Professor Olivier Sparagano and professor Duncan Westbury (Image: RAU)

Meanwhile, Professor Sparagano, who joined from City University in Hong Kong where he was professor of veterinary parasitology and head the infectious diseases and public health department, has been appointed dean of agricultural sciences and practice.

Professor Westbury said: “As a professor of sustainable agriculture, my research interests fit perfectly with the RAU’s aspiration to be the global university for sustainable farming and land management.

"This role presents a wonderful new challenge and a great opportunity to make a difference and be part of the RAU’s future."

Professor Olivier Sparagano and professor Duncan Westbury (Image: RAU)
 Professor Sparagano said: “I am delighted to have joined the RAU to support staff and students to continue developing cutting edge impactful research and scholarly activities for the benefit of our communities.

“As the new dean of agricultural sciences and practice, I take pride in our farming networks, and our national and international partnerships, while we keep at heart the student experience to integrate them better in modern agriculture-related systems and increase their employability and long-life skills.”
 
The two new deans will work closely with professor David Main, the RAU’s pro vice-chancellor for academic planning and resources.

Professor Main said: “We are delighted to welcome Duncan and Olivier to the RAU to provide the academic leadership for our two critical disciplines of agricultural science and practice and land and property management. 
 
“Their wealth of academic, practical, and leadership experience will help us deliver on our mission of equipping the next generation with the skills to address the global imperatives of supporting sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and climate action.”