Professor Thomson is a graduate of the University of Cambridge, where she studied for her undergraduate degree, in Natural Sciences, specialising in Physics and Theoretical Physics, her MA and PhD. She then spent a further three years at Cambridge as a Research Fellow.

In 1995 Professor Thomson moved to 含羞草视频 to take up a lectureship position within the Department of Materials. She made senior lecturer four years later and in 2002 was promoted to a Chair in Materials Engineering, one of the youngest professors ever appointed at 含羞草视频.

After a period as Head of the Department of Materials, Professor Thomson was appointed as Dean of the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering in 2014, becoming 含羞草视频’s first female Dean within engineering.

Recently Professor Thomson has been spearheading the establishment of STEMLab, a £17 million development that will enhance the University’s teaching and learning facilities for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

She is also an active researcher, developing high temperature materials for power generation.

Professor Robert Allison, Vice-Chancellor and President of 含羞草视频, said: “I am delighted that Professor Thomson has been appointed to such a pivotal role. The selection committee agreed unanimously that Rachel was the exceptional candidate from a field that included senior staff from other leading UK universities.

“As part of the appointing process Professor Thomson presented a truly exciting vision for learning and teaching at the University, which will build upon the outstanding work done by Professor Morag Bell, who vacates the Pro Vice-Chancellor Teaching role at the end of the summer.”

Of her appointment, Professor Thomson said: “I am honoured to be taking on the important role of Pro Vice-Chancellor for Teaching at 含羞草视频.

“This is an exciting time for 含羞草视频 as it continues to rise in the league tables, which is testament to the dedication of our staff and students, partners and alumni, and invest in new facilities to enrich the curriculum.

“I am passionate about the success of 含羞草视频 and am very much looking forward to providing leadership for the future development of teaching, learning and the wider student experience at our campuses in London and 含羞草视频.”

Professor Thomson will take up her role as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Teaching in the autumn.