Professor Ian Wakeman

Professor Ian Wakeman has been appointed interim Head of School of Engineering and Informatics, replacing Professor Jonathan Bacon, who is retiring from the role at the end of August.

Professor Bacon, who has led the school since 2017, has had a long and distinguished career at the University, and was previously Dean of the School of Life Sciences. He will continue at Sussex on a part-time basis.

Professor Wakeman is currently Deputy Head of School and will take overall leadership from 1 September, until a permanent Head is appointed.

Professor Wakeman is an expert in user-centred networking and co-founder of InCrowd, an app that helps people connect within sports stadia. He has also served as Head of Informatics for a number of years.

Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor, said: “Jonathan has been a fantastic leader for both the School and the wider University and I know that his huge contributions are greatly appreciated and will be truly missed. Of course, we all wish him very well as he stands down from the role.

“In Ian, we will have an extremely capable and well-respected replacement and I am confident that he will be a real asset to the School and the University Leadership Team as we navigate the considerable challenges we face over the next year.

“I’m sure everyone will join me in congratulating Ian on his appointment.”