Welcome to June’s Alumni newsletter.
It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the year, and I hope you have been enjoying our recent warmer summer days.
As you know, the Business School has announced that, from Monday 6th September 2021, it will be renamed ‘Bayes Business School’. This decision was taken following a comprehensive consultation process, and I thank you for your support and contributions to that process.
The process generated more than 150 name suggestions, with more than 8,000 members of staff and current and prospective Business School students and alumni giving feedback on the shortlisted names. Bayes Business School emerged as the clear favourite.
Thomas Bayes’ ideas on conditional probability are central to Finance, Actuarial Science and many branches of Management, the core disciplines of the Business School. They are also the foundation of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
A recent online soft launch event was well attended by more than 270 staff, students, alumni and special guests. This included discussions on Bayes Theorem and its applications, and the wider work that is being done to affect real change across the Business School.
If you were unable to attend, you can watch a full recording of the event.
Read more about the process that was undertaken to select a new name, and find out further information on the FAQs page.
Monday 17th May saw the easing of Covid-19 restrictions following a decrease in case numbers and increased vaccine rollout. The government guidance allowed for all students to return to their campuses if they wish, with expanded on-campus activities made available where teaching is scheduled to continue into June. Those wishing to return to the Business School will not need a specific reason to come to campus, however, they are encouraged to book study spaces in advance, get tested regularly and follow University guidelines.
I am delighted that Professor Caroline Wiertz has been appointed as Deputy Dean of the Business School. Caroline’s main focus will be on the ongoing transformative processes at the School, including rollout of the name change, implementation of our new brand and the strategy refresh.
Caroline’s first day in the post will be Monday 7th June, and I’m sure you’ll join me in offering our congratulations and best wishes for the role.
It is also the final month of Professor Sir Paul Curran’s presidency. Sir Paul has made a phenomenal contribution to City over the last 11 years and I would like to offer my congratulations before his departure, and thank him for all he has contributed to City.
It is my pleasure to welcome Professor Anthony Finkelstein as Paul’s replacement. Anthony joins from his position as the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser for National Security, and I wish him the best of luck in the post.
Wishing you, your family and your friends well,
Best wishes,
Professor Paolo Volpin,
Dean