Dr Seymour Roworth-Stokes, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Development at the University for the Creative Arts has been appointed as Chair of the Design Research Society - the world's leading scholarly design research body.
An industrial design graduate, Dr Roworth-Stokes spent the 1980s and early 90s working as a design consultant for a diverse range of clients including BT, BAA and Huntleigh Technology, before moving into academia.
He joined the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, one of UCA's founder institutions, in 1991 as a senior lecturer in design, later being promoted to Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Development.
In 2001 he formed the department of Research and Development, which subsequently secured £4 million in income for the University, whilst raising its reputation and making a significant contribution to the cultural and creative economy.
"I am delighted to have been elected the 14th Chair of the Design Research Society. The DRS was the first design research society and I hope to further a wonderful tradition of support for scholarship and high quality research concerned with the process of designing," said Dr Roworth-Stokes.
"In this capacity I hope to further the society's aims by increasing its profile, reputation and influence in supporting design research, and its contribution to society and the global economy.
I also hope to enhance opportunities for design researchers to engage with the wider research community internationally."