Here’s a batch of fresh news and announcements from across Imperial.

From leading the way in finance master’s, to experimental learning and teaching spaces, here is some quick-read news from across the College.

Finance first

Imperial’s MSc Mathematics and Finance Programme has been ranked first in Europe and sixth internationally in Risk.net’s annual ranking of the world’s leading quantitative finance master’s programmes.

Directors of the programme, Dr Jack Jacquier and Dr Mikko Pakkanen, spoke about the programme. Dr Jacquier said: “In our MSc programme in Mathematics and Finance, students learn all the tools required to become tomorrow’s leaders in quantitative finance. This is achieved through a unique combination of solid mathematical foundations together with technological skills and knowledge of the finance industry.

Dr Pakkanen added: “Our alumni network of more than 650 practitioners, our tight connections with the industry and the quality of the research in the group make it a truly ideal environment.”

Read more at Risk.net.

New appointment

Professor Simone Buitendijk has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds.

Professor Buitendijk has been Imperial’s Vice Provost (Education) since August 2016. She spearheaded the College’s first Learning & Teaching Strategy, driving the adoption of new evidenced-based teaching methods, innovative digital learning tools, and a range of new programmes increasing students’ input in their education.

Imperial’s Provost, Professor Ian Walmsley says: “Simone has made a profound contribution to Imperial’s education, community, and student experience. She has led a transformation of our learning and teaching, developing a strategy with students at its heart. This is a fitting and well deserved appointment and we wish her all the best at Leeds.”

Professor Buitendijk will take up the post on 1 September 2020, when the current Vice-Chancellor, Sir Alan Langlands, steps down. We will begin the search for Simone’s successor in due course.

Read more on the University of Leeds website.

Teaching space endorsement

The Higher Education Design Quality Forum met at Imperial on 9 January to revisit a landmark debate - ‘Is the Lecture Theatre Dead?’ - held in October 2017 at King’s College London.

Teaching and design specialists from across the higher education sector were given a tour of Imperial’s new Digital Learning Hub, an experimental space aimed to encourage new ways of teaching and learning at the university, while keeping technology simple, minimalist, and almost invisible.

Attendees were also given a tour of Blackett 112, an impressive new lecture theatre which has been converted as part of a wider effort to provide staff and students with spaces to experience more effective and enjoyable learning and teaching.

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