Press release: Professor Robert Allison CBE DL is the new Gresham College Chair of Council

29 October 2024
Former Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University to join historic college based in central London
Gresham College is delighted to announce that Professor Robert Allison CBE has been appointed as its new chair.
Since 1597, Gresham College has been providing free academic lectures on a wide range of subjects including astronomy, science, law, and music. Open to all, they take place in central London and are also webcast online.
Bob will head up the charity’s governing council, which oversees its strategy, business planning and administration.
A former Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, he has served as Higher Education representative on the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills Enterprise Education Expert Group, the International HE Adviser to the Minister of Education in Brunei.
During Professor Allison’s nine years at Loughborough, the university rose up into the top 10 in every national league table and named University of the Year an unparalleled five times. He oversaw significant expansion, which included opening the university's London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
He was the driving force behind the Loughborough student experience, which is widely recognised as one of the best in the UK.
Bob is a trustee of The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the St Philip's Centre, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Air Ambulance Service and Children's Air Ambulance.
He was appointed Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Leicestershire in 2022.
Richard Smith, Executive Director of Gresham College, said: "We are delighted that Robert has joined Gresham College as our new chair.
"For more than 400 years, Gresham College has been an incredible asset and resource.
“It is a public educational institution that provides free lectures on a broad suite of subjects from some of the brightest minds our educational establishments have to offer.
"Bob will bring his experience and expertise to help us flourish as a charity and an academic institution at the heart of the City of London.”
Professor Allison said: "I am delighted to be joining Gresham College and am most grateful to the College Council for appointing me as a Trustee and the next Chair.
“Gresham has a long and distinguished history, which provides the platform for an ambitious future strategy, two things that attracted me to the role.
“I look forward to working with the Council, Executive Director, staff and our partners to deliver a programme which everyone is proud of.”
Among the Council members are representatives from The City of London Corporation and The Mercers’ Company, the historic sponsors of the College.
Debby Ounsted CBE, the Vice Chair of Council from The Mercers’ Company said: “We are proud to support Gresham College and delighted to welcome Bob as the Chair of Council.”
Vice-Chair of Gresham College, representing the City of London Corporation, and Chair of the College’s Nominations Committee, Deputy Edward Lord OBE, said: “I was delighted to have led the recruitment process for the new Chair of Gresham College and wholeheartedly congratulate Bob Allison on his appointment.
"Bob’s immense experience leading one of the UK’s top universities will contribute significantly to the work of the Gresham College in educating London and the world in topics as varied as science, medicine, history, religion, and arts and culture.
"Alongside the Mercers’ Company, the City of London Corporation is very proud of its support for Gresham College, which dates back to its foundation in 1597 and will continue its commitment as the College moves forward.”
Gresham College organises more than 100 free lectures each academic year, and more than 2,500 of them are available to watch for free online.
Previous Professors include luminaries of the scientific revolution such as Robert Hooke and Sir Christopher Wren, musicians, thinkers, and physicians.
The College aims to stimulate intellectual curiosity and to champion academic rigour, professional expertise, and freedom of expression.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information about this story or to arrange an interview with a Gresham Professor please contact: Phil Creighton press@gresham.ac.uk
About Gresham College
Gresham College has been providing free, educational lectures - at the university level - since 1597 when Sir Thomas Gresham founded the college to bring Renaissance Learning to Londoners. Our history includes some of the luminaries of the scientific revolution including Robert Hooke and Sir Christopher Wren and connects us to the founding of the Royal Society.
Today we carry on Sir Thomas's vision. The College aims to stimulate intellectual curiosity and to champion academic rigour, professional expertise and freedom of expression.
Gresham College is a registered charity number 1039962 and relies on donations to help us encourage people's love of learning for many years to come. For more details or to make a gift, visit our website.