Professor Nigel Thrift is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick. He joined Warwick from the University of Oxford in 2003, becoming Head of the Division of Life and Environmental Sciences in 2003 and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research in 2005. Since becoming Vice-Chancellor in 2006, Professor Thrift has launched an ambitious new strategy for Warwick’s future and has led the University in implementing an extensive capital plan, achieving a 20% increase in research income, producing the highest ever annual philanthropic income in 2009, establishing high-profile partnerships and research collaborations with leading universities in the US, Australia, India, Asia and Europe, and rapidly increasing Warwick’s international profile through initiatives such as the Warwick Commission and the International Gateway for Gifted Youth. He has been instrumental in building on Warwick’s strong links with business and industry both nationally and internationally, including Warwick’s leading role in the Birmingham Science City initiative.

Professor Thrift was educated at Aberystwyth University and University of Bristol, and continues to maintain an active research career alongside his role as Vice-Chancellor. He has been the recipient of a number of distinguished academic awards, including the Royal Geographical Society Victoria Medal for contributions to geographic research in 2003, Distinguished Scholarship Honors from the Association of American Geographers in 2007 and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society Gold Medal in 2008. He was made a Fellow of the British Academy in 2003. His current research spans a broad range of interests, including international finance, cities and political life, non-representational theory, affective politics and the history of time.

Professor Nigel Thrift is participating in the What makes a truly global university? session.