Professor Stewart Kirton appointed Head of the new School of Applied and Health Sciences
We are pleased to announce that Professor Stewart Kirton has been appointed as the Head of the new School of Applied and Health Sciences at London South Bank University (LSBU). He will officially join us in February 2025.
Professor Kirton comes to LSBU from the University of Lincoln, where he successfully led the Pharmacy Education team through their Stage 2 Accreditation as Director of Pharmacy Education. Before that, he spent 16 years at the University of Hertfordshire, serving in various roles, including as Head of Clinical Pharmaceutical and Biological Science, overseeing a diverse portfolio spanning Optometry to Agriculture.
Beginning his academic journey in 2008 as a Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Professor Kirton brought with him a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, specialising in computer-aided drug design and discovery. His ongoing research focuses on using computational tools to design new medicines and medical devices, addressing areas of unmet clinical need.
In his new role, Professor Kirton will provide strategic leadership to the School of Applied and Health Sciences, which is part of LSBU’s newly established College of Health and Life Sciences. This College unites the Schools of Allied and Community Health, Applied and Health Sciences, and Nursing and Midwifery. Professor Kirton will focus on creating an inclusive and diverse School environment, driving pedagogic innovation, and enhancing the quality of the student experience.
Professor Kirton expressed his enthusiasm, saying:
"I am delighted to be joining LSBU. As someone who was the first in my family to attend university, I deeply understand the transformative power of higher education. Working with LSBU, which leads the sector in providing equality of access to university education, offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant positive impact on a diverse range of students.”
Professor Tara Dean, Provost of LSBU, welcomed the appointment, saying:
"We are thrilled to have Professor Stewart Kirton join us. Stewart brings a wealth of strategic leadership and a passion for learning that will strengthen the School of Applied and Health Sciences. His personal experience of how university transforms lives will resonate with and inspire our students. We look forward to welcoming him to LSBU next year."
This appointment forms part of LSBU’s ongoing efforts to recruit new talent aligned with our transition to a new Schools/College structure, set to take effect in January 2025. This reorganisation consolidates LSBU’s ten schools of study into three Colleges, enhancing strategic leadership across related disciplines and fostering collaboration between teaching and research.
We look forward to welcoming Professor Kirton as we continue to build a future-ready institution.