University of Warwick appoints Emma Flynn as new Provost

Professor Emma Flynn has been appointed as the new Provost at the University of Warwick and will begin her new role on August 15.

Professor Flynn will join Warwick from Queen’s University, Belfast, where she has been Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) for the last four years, leading on the institution’s people, partnerships, infrastructure and policy strategies.

She is a leading developmental and comparative psychologist whose research investigates the production and transmission of innovation. She also has extensive international collaborative links with biologists, philosophers, computer scientists and statisticians.

In her current role, Professor Flynn has worked closely with local and national bodies to develop and utilise the world-leading research produced by Queen’s to have significant disciplinary, societal, environmental and economic impact.

Within the higher education sector, she’s overseen major international recruitment campaigns, established integrated planning and strategy structures, and led highly effective culture-change programmes.

Before joining Queen's University Belfast, she worked at Durham University as Deputy Provost – and, before this, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Health.

Professor Flynn will succeed Professor Chris Ennew, who retires at the end of August.

Commenting on the appointment, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, Professor Stuart Croft said: “Emma is an outstanding leader and academic, who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this vital role.

“She will play a key role in continuing to build and develop our world class reputation for teaching and research. We’re looking forward to welcoming her to the Warwick community.”

Professor Flynn said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the University of Warwick, which is widely recognised as one of the best in the world and look forward to help deliver its exciting ambitions for the future.

“I’m passionate about supporting academics and creating an environment which allows them to thrive and grow in their roles.

“I’m very much looking forward to meeting my new colleagues and making a positive impact.”

This article was first published on 3 May by University of Warwick.