Professor Robert Allison CBE Joins Gresham College as Chair of Council

Gresham College, London’s renowned institution for free public lectures since 1597, has announced an exciting new leadership appointment. Starting from 1st December, Professor Robert Allison CBE, former Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University, will take on the role of Gresham College Chair of Council, bringing his impressive expertise in higher education to this historic college.

“For more than 400 years, Gresham College has been an incredible asset and resource. With Robert’s guidance, we aim to continue this legacy at the heart of the City of London,” shared Richard Smith, Executive Director of Gresham College.

Professor Allison, fondly known as Bob, will be overseeing the charity’s strategy, business planning, and administration. He succeeds Dr Loyd Grossman CBE, bringing fresh energy to a role steeped in tradition.

As former Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University, Professor Allison transformed the institution’s profile, raising it to a top 10 ranking in every national league table. Under his leadership, Loughborough expanded significantly, including the opening of its London campus at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park—a venture that strengthened the university’s presence and influence.

Bob’s commitment to educational excellence extends beyond Loughborough. He has served as Higher Education representative on the Department of Business, Innovation, and Skills Enterprise Education Expert Group, and he was appointed International HE Adviser to the Minister of Education in Brunei. This wealth of experience makes him an ideal fit for Gresham College’s mission.

“I am honoured to join Gresham College and grateful to the College Council for this appointment,” Professor Allison commented. “Gresham’s legacy is truly unique, and it offers an incredible platform for an ambitious future strategy. I look forward to collaborating with the Council, the Executive Director, staff, and our partners to deliver a programme that we can all be proud of.”

The council of Gresham College is composed of influential representatives from The City of London Corporation and The Mercers’ Company, historic supporters of the College’s mission to bring world-class education to the public.

Deputy Edward Lord OBE, Vice-Chair of Gresham College, expressed his excitement about Bob’s appointment.

“Bob’s immense experience leading one of the UK’s top universities will contribute significantly to the work of Gresham College in educating London and the world in topics as varied as science, medicine, history, religion, and arts and culture. Alongside the Mercers’ Company, the City of London Corporation is proud to support this mission, which dates back to the College’s founding in 1597.”

Each academic year, Gresham College organises over 100 free lectures, all open to the public, with subjects spanning everything from astronomy to law and music. In the spirit of its founders, Gresham remains dedicated to broadening public understanding through education. Its legacy includes notable figures such as Robert Hooke and Sir Christopher Wren, whose lectures helped shape the scientific and intellectual landscape.

In addition to live events at Barnard’s Inn Hall in Holborn, Gresham College lectures are broadcast online, making them accessible to audiences across the globe. With more than 2,500 lectures available to watch on their website, Gresham College continues to inspire and educate generations, promoting intellectual curiosity and academic rigour.

“Gresham College is a unique public educational institution, offering free lectures on a broad suite of subjects from some of the brightest minds in academia,” Richard Smith added. “Robert Allison’s leadership will be instrumental in driving the College’s mission forward as a prominent academic institution within the heart of London.”

Additional information on Gresham College’s lectures and events, can be found on their official website or contact Phil Creighton at press@gresham.ac.uk.

For more insights and in-depth knowledge from London’s top minds, follow EyeOnLondon. Stay informed on the latest in education, arts, culture, and more.

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!