Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, addressed the Westminster community and the wider public in an inaugural professorial lecture held at Fyvie Hall on the University’s Regent Campus on 12 March. The talk spanned an array of topics, from his career and experiences to his key advice to students, highlighting his dedication to wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable development across the University and beyond.
Professor Bonfield shared his insights into his professional journey and the values that underpin his leadership. He emphasised the University’s focus on wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable development as core priorities, both within his own work and across the University’s strategic direction.
He highlighted Westminster’s creativity and innovation, citing the restoration of the Soho Poly as a key example. The revived venue hosts dynamic events, including pop-up festivals and poetry readings, and it leads outreach activities that engage young people and isolated older communities.
During the talk Professor Bonfield praised the University’s diverse research centres, which drive new ideas and projects across subjects including psychology, social justice, resilience, active travel, cancer mechanisms and biomarkers, law, gender, race and sexuality – to name just a few. He also celebrated the Westminster’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver award, which was awarded to the University in 2023.
Professor Bonfield’s pride for the successes of Westminster’s clubs and societies shone throughout the talk. He expressed their importance in bringing people together and giving students a space to find out their strengths, make friends and have the freedom to try out new things.
Professor Bonfield’s dedication to sustainability extends across his career. He has previously served as a non-executive director of Defra and has chaired four Independent Reviews on forests and woodlands, public sector food procurement, property flood resilience and energy efficiency and renewable technologies. He has recently been a Non-Executive Director of UK Active and Chair of Trustees at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). He also helped develop the Sustainability Strategy for the London 2012 Olympics and led the sustainable procurement of construction materials. He is Deputy Chair of London Higher, where he founded and chairs the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Network. He is currently conducting an Independent Review and action plan development to address the increased risk of flooding that many across society face.
It was clear from his inaugural lecture that Professor Bonfield’s work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which, since 2019, the University of Westminster has integrated into its strategic framework, helping students and colleagues contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about upcoming lectures and events at the University of Westminster.
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