Prof Mike Wood appointed Associate Dean Research and Innovation for School of Science, Engineering and Environment

A key member of Salford’s research community for the past 13 years, Mike will take up his new role on September 30. Before arriving at Salford, he worked at MMU and Liverpool, where he got his PhD in Environmental Science.

Mike is Professor of Applied Ecology at Salford, providing leadership across research and teaching through his roles as Head of Geography & Environmental Management and Director of the Environmental Research & Innovation Centre (ERIC). He also holds various external roles, including being President-Elect of the Society of Radiological Protection and Associate Editor for the Journal of Environmental Radioactivity.

The primary focus of Mike's research is environmental pollution and its impacts on wildlife and people. He has spent over two decades working on the development of the international environmental radiation protection system and conducting research into the effects of radiation across a variety of locations, including extensive work within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.  Mike is now leading research on the impacts of noise and light pollution on wildlife. His work has been extensively published, widely cited and was submitted to REF2021 as a four-star impact case study.

In 2016, Mike won the Times Higher Education Research Project of the Year award for his work looking at the exclusion zone near the Chornobyl nuclear reactor. He was also awarded the Founders' Medal for his services to radiation protection.

Mike is an experienced science communicator and regular keynote speaker.  His work in Ukraine has led to dozens of media appearances across the world, including BBC Breakfast, a BBC4 documentary screened internationally, Channel 4 News, ABC Australia, LBC, Radio 5 Live, Swiss National radio, TIME, New Scientist, The Telegraph, LA Times and many more.

On his appointment, Prof Wood said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role at such an exciting time for both the School and the University.  Substantial recent investment in SEE has provided fantastic facilities for collaborative research and innovation.  Coupled with our brilliant staff and students, and our external partners, we have the environment and expertise needed to tackle some of the biggest issues facing society.  I’m looking forward to shaping the next phase of the School’s research and innovation journey,  supporting our communities to gain maximum  impact from SEE’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.” 

Interim Dean of the SEE School, Denise Rennie said: “I was delighted that Mike was identified as the best candidate for our ADRI role following a competitive recruitment round involving significant interest from external and internal applicants. His career to date has included major collaborations with a network of colleagues in other Universities in the UK and internationally. He has demonstrated leadership and impact through research, contributed to policy development, delivered innovative learning opportunities for students, and managed teams of researchers and teachers at Salford. His wide experience and many successes give a firm foundation for his future contribution working as a member of the School Leadership Team and with others across the University in ensuring our preparedness for the REF 2029 and further in the future.