Stuart Black appointed SAGES Head of School
29 February 2024
Dr Stuart Black has been appointed as Head of the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science (SAGES).
Stuart has been appointed permanently on a six-year term, having been in temporary charge after the previous Head of School, Professor Steve Musson, stood down at the end of December 2023.
Stuart said: “I am very happy to have the opportunity to lead SAGES over this period, which has outstanding research, impact and teaching in all areas of the School.
“During the time I have been in the role as Acting Head of School, I have enjoyed working with colleagues in SAGES and I am looking forward to help progress the School in the future. I very much want to lead the School in a collegiate, open and inclusive way.”
Stuart joined Reading in 1998 as a lecturer. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2004 and then Associate Professor in 2013.
During his Reading career, he has been School Director of Teaching and Learning for SAGES, and is currently chair of the Education for Sustainable Development sub-group. He led one of the work packages on assessment as part of the Portfolio Review process.
Stuart’s research focus is on using isotope geochemistry to create a chemical fingerprint for past climate and environmental activity. He is also part of a Wellcome Trust-funded team studying when and where humans first started feeding animals.
Thank you to Steve Musson
Steve was Head of School for SAGES for just over four years. He continues his research and public engagement work on economic geography and urban regeneration, and as a member of the Human Geography Research Cluster.
Professor Dominik Zaum, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Planning and Resource), said: “We are extremely grateful to Steve for his hard work as Head of School for SAGES. Under Steve’s leadership, the School has produced some outstanding teaching and memorable research examples.
“We are pleased to have Stuart in place to continue this good work and build on the considerable strengths of the School.”