Professor Simon Banks has been appointed as Vice-Dean (Education) for the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES). Simon is currently Director of Education and Faculty Tutor in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences at UCL, and will join King’s on 1 January 2024.

Joining as a Professor of Natural Sciences Education, Simon will lead on the Faculty’s Education Strategy, including contributing to the development of the new undergraduate degree programme in Natural Sciences. A chemist by training with research interests in the field of quantum reaction dynamics and the statistical mechanics of highly correlated systems, Simon is highly experienced in leading and delivering interdisciplinary science and engineering education. In his role as Director of Education and Faculty Tutor at UCL Engineering, he has led on curriculum design, academic policy, quality assurance, governance and the student experience. 

Simon takes over from Professor Michael Kölling, who after five years steps down from the role of Vice-Dean (Education) in August 2023.

Professor Simon Banks said, “I am delighted to be joining NMES at a time of such exciting developments in education across the Faculty; I look forward to working with both Professor Bearon and Professor French through the transition period in the months ahead.

"I am also very much looking forward to working with colleagues across NMES, building on existing strengths as we bring to fruition the Faculty’s ambitious plans for education and the student experience in the years to come.”

Professor Mark French, Interim Executive-Dean of NMES, said, “I am delighted we have appointed Simon to this role. He brings a wealth of experience from his time at UCL, and I look forward to working with him and our incoming Executive-Dean, Professor Rachel Bearon, as we transition to his leadership in education in January.

“I’d also like to warmly thank Professor Michael Kölling as he steps down as Vice-Dean (Education) this summer. Over the last five years, Michael has done an exemplary job in leading on education for the Faculty, from managing a significant increase in student numbers, to establishing the Academic Education Pathway, to supporting creative innovation in our curricula, and steering us through challenging times including the transition to online teaching during the pandemic.”

Professor Rachel Bearon, incoming Executive-Dean of NMES, said, “I look forward to working with Simon to shape the Faculty’s strategic direction for education in the New Year. Simon’s passion for inter-disciplinary science and engineering education, innovative curriculum design and supporting the student experience, will be invaluable to building on current strengths in NMES to deliver our vision for educational excellence.”