معرفی
Robert Van de Noort is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading since 2018, leading the institution as its chief academic officer. He chairs key committees such as the Senate and the University Executive Board, and contributes to national initiatives like the S10 Vice-Chancellors' Group and Universities UK's Research Bureaucracy Working Group. His leadership emphasizes academic freedom, climate action, and sustainability, driving Reading to achieve top rankings in sustainable university awards. He also serves as Executive Chair of the London Higher Sustainability Network.
Robert holds a CBE (2024) for contributions to science, flood risk management, and sustainability. His educational background includes a History degree from the University of Utrecht and an Archaeology degree from the University of Amsterdam. Before Reading, he held roles at institutions like the British School at Rome and the University of Exeter, where he was Dean of the College of Social Sciences and International Studies.
His research focuses on marine and wetland archaeology, particularly the North Sea Basin. Notable projects include directing the Humber Wetlands fieldwork (English Heritage-funded) and leading the AHRC-funded experimental reconstruction of a Bronze Age sewn-plank boat at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. He advocates for integrating climate change resilience into archaeological practices and heritage management.
In community roles, Robert is a Deputy Lieutenant for Berkshire, member of the Berkshire Business Board, Patron of Launchpad (a homelessness charity), and President of the River Thames Society. His grants and projects involve collaborations in coastal wetlands preservation and climate change adaptation, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address environmental challenges.
He has spearheaded initiatives like the University's net zero ambitions and sustainable menus, while fostering ties between the university and local communities. His work bridges archaeology with modern environmental stewardship, emphasizing the relevance of historical data to contemporary issues.
