Draft:Professor Andrew Jones

Professor Andrew Jones is a British academic and interdisciplinary social scientist with a background in economic geography. Since January 2021, he has served as Vice-Chancellor and President of Brunel University London, succeeding Professor Julia Buckingham CBE. He is recognized for his leadership in higher education, holding key positions such as Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Vice-President (Research & Enterprise), and Deputy President at City, University of London. Professor Jones is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, the Royal Geographical Society, and the Royal Society of Arts. He is also the Research and Innovation Policy Leader at Universities UK (starting in August 2024).

Early Life and Education

Andrew Jones was born in [Year], and pursued his studies in [Field] at [University], graduating with a [Degree, e.g., first-class honours]. He later completed a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) degree at [Institution], specializing in [Thesis Topic, e.g., global economic practices].

Academic Career

Early Academic Work

In [Year], Jones began his academic career as a [Position] at [Institution]. His early academic work focused on economic geography, specifically the activities of organizations and how they relate to the development of a globalized economy. This led to various research projects on the working practices of global organizations and the role of information technology, travel, and mobility strategies in global competitiveness.

Leadership Roles

At City, University of London, Jones held various leadership roles, including Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences and Vice-President (Research & Enterprise). In his capacity as Deputy President, he played a crucial role in shaping the university’s research agenda and strategic direction. His leadership extended to major national initiatives, including serving on the REF2014 and REF2021 panels for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), where he assessed the quality of research across UK universities. In January 2021, Professor Jones became Vice-Chancellor of Brunel University London. He described this role as “an exciting opportunity to lead a world-class university known for its industry engagement in education, technology, research, and innovation.” His leadership at Brunel has been marked by a focus on interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, and enhancing the university's role as an engine of social mobility and economic growth in west London and beyond.

Leadership and Sector Roles

Jones has played a key role in higher education leadership outside of his university appointments. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of London Higher, which represents the diverse higher education sector in London, and he serves as the Research and Innovation Policy Leader at Universities UK, a position he will formally assume in August 2024. As Vice-Chancellor of Brunel, Jones has emphasized industry-partnered, high-quality education and has continued to build on the university's strong research base, particularly in sustainable energy and energy grid technologies. His leadership has focused on ensuring that Brunel remains at the forefront of innovation, and he has spoken about the importance of Brunel's west London location as a significant advantage for driving forward local and global impacts.

Research Contributions

Jones’ research primarily focuses on how the activities of organizations are shaped by, and contribute to, the ongoing development of a globalized economy. His work spans various fields, including political science, sociology, and management studies. His research has explored how global companies use technology and mobility strategies to remain competitive, as well as how knowledge management is influenced by local contexts. In 2004, he conducted a significant study for the UK Government's Department for Education & Skills on the role of gap-year volunteering projects, examining how such projects contribute to the development of soft skills for young people in a global job market. His research has also examined the globalization of service industries, including investment banking and consultancy. His more recent work has focused on the role of globalisation in emerging economies, particularly in Asia and Latin America, where he has studied how service industries are contributing to economic growth. He has also contributed to the field of green economy research, examining how service industries can support a low-carbon global economy.

Key Projects and Achievements

Professor Jones has been involved in numerous high-profile research projects throughout his career, including his studies on the globalization of investment banking and legal industries. His research has had a significant impact on understanding the role of specific cities as key locations for global industries. He has continued to work on the role of service industries in economic development, particularly in the green economy, and is leading research initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable, low-carbon global economy. His work at Brunel University has focused on the university’s contributions to industry-facing research, particularly in the fields of energy grids and sustainable energy.

Sector Leadership

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Jones has taken on numerous leadership roles in the higher education sector. He has served as a trustee of the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) and was previously a trustee of the Academy of Social Sciences. His sector leadership extends to his work as the Research and Innovation Policy Leader for Universities UK, where he will lead policy discussions on research and innovation across 141 universities.

Honors and Recognition

Jones has been recognized for his contributions to the academic world through various fellowships, including his election as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, the Royal Geographical Society, and the Royal Society of Arts.