Six new professors boost UON research profile

Six new Professors have been conferred by the University of Northampton. A professorship, the highest academic recognition of scholarly achievements, honours staff members significant research and academic contribution, and their future commitment to leading on the research ambitions for the University of Northampton.

Dr Cathy Smith, Dean of Research, Impact and Innovation at the University of Northampton, said: “The University of Northampton continues to develop our excellence and expertise in research and learning and teaching. We are delighted to recognise the sustained high-quality research and impact of the work Amin Hosseinian Far, Karen Anthony, Federico Farini, Lee Machado, Michael Opoku Agyemen and Paul Jackson. They will all bring valuable expertise and dedication to building the research environment here at Northampton.”

Speaking about her Professorship, Dr Karen Anthony, Professor of Molecular Medicine, said: “I am thrilled to be appointed Professor and thank past and present colleagues for their support and mentorship. I also acknowledge the rare disease communities who continue to inspire and motivate my research, most notably on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is a great privilege to have been promoted to this position especially as women are still underrepresented in science at this level. I look forward to continuing to support the development of others and further build the capacity and culture of life science research at the University of Northampton.”

Dr Michael Opoku Agyemen, Professor of Computing said: “It is great to see University of Northampton celebrate and support research excellence. With the appointment of the new professors, the University has demonstrated its commitment to building stronger research environment and impact. It is an honour to be recognised as a Professor to continue to uphold research excellence within the University and in the wider research community. I really couldn’t have done it without all the wonderful people in my life and network. ”

Dr Amin Hosseinian Far, Professor of Systems Thinking said: “I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career; my previous and current students, co-authors, collaborators, previous mentors whose support and guidance I have valued every step of the way. I am looking forward to an exciting and productive journey ahead as a Professor.”

Dr Federico Farini, Professor of Sociology, said: “For almost 20 years I have delivered research in partnership with European and National Agencies, Regional and Local Authorities. My research concerns the inclusion of migrant children and young people in education to support social mobility and equality, and the role of digital media in the diffusion of knowledge. I am looking forward to promoting further development of interdisciplinary research at the University of Northampton.”

Dr Paul Jackson, Professor in the History of Radicalism and Extremism said: “It is very exciting to be promoted to Professor, and I am very much looking forward to taking my work forwards with this new title. My work focuses on the recent history and current state of the far right in Britain and around the world. Sadly, this research agenda often feels timely, but I do hope to be able to add to public debate and discussion on how to tackle the issues raised by far-right activism and contribute to anti-racist agendas.”

Dr Lee Machado, Professor of Molecular Medicine, said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as a Professor at the University in recognition of changemaking research and clinical trials of DNA vaccination for cancer patients, the development of novel gene and immunotherapies for cancer, and more fundamental studies understanding the complex genomics that underpin pathogen-host interactions.

“I have been privileged for the last eight years to teach and train the next generation of Life Scientists at Northampton and look forward to continuing my role as faculty Research and Enterprise lead to developing a more diverse, equal, and inclusive research environment for our post graduate and early career researchers.”