Ben Cosh leaving University for new role

Professor Ben Cosh is leaving the University at end of August to join the University of Kent as its Director of Division for Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.

Ben has led the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences (SMPCS) since January 2016. SMPCS is home to three leading Departments within the University of Reading – Mathematics and Statistics, Meteorology, and Computer Science.

Announcing his decision, Ben said, “It has been a privilege to work with people so dedicated to supporting each other, our colleagues and our students. The decision to leave after 17 years was difficult, but the opportunities and challenges offered by my new role at the University of Kent convinced me it was time for a change.”

Professor Ben Cosh joined the University in 2004 to run the Science Foundation programme across four Schools. Since then, he has made a huge contribution to our University community, serving as Faculty Director for Teaching and Learning for the Faculty of Science (2008–2010), Head of the School of Systems Engineering (2010–2014) and Dean of Science (2014–2016). Through these roles Ben has served on the University Boards for both Teaching & Learning and Research, the University Senate and Council, and contributed widely to working groups and committees across all aspects of the University's operation.

Before coming to Reading, Ben conducted research in mathematics, mostly relating to connectivity in graphs and hypergraphs, and taught mathematics in further and higher education at every level from pre-GCSE to undergraduate courses for students on maths and science degrees.

He graduated in mathematics from the University of Sheffield before completing a PhD in mathematics from Goldsmiths, University of London.

Mark Fellowes, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Planning and Resource, said, “Ben has been an outstanding leader of the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences. Under his leadership, the School continued to enhance its reputation as a globally-important centre for research in weather and climate, with world-leading strengths across many other disciplines.

“Ben’s commitment to embedding a strong culture of equality and diversity helped with a successful renewal of the Athena SWAN Silver Award in 2017. I am sad to see Ben go, but wish him the very best in his next role.”