Two higher education leaders bring their international research experience to Cumbria’s university

New Director of CNPPA (Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas) and Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) for Science and Environment (IoSE)

Professor Robert Montgomery has been appointed as the Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange and Director of the Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas in the university’s Institute of Science and Environment. Bringing extensive international experience in ecology and conservation, Professor Montgomery is well positioned to advance research and knowledge exchange efforts in Cumbria. In addition Professor Montgomery will play a leading part in further developing the university's Ambleside campus offering from a research and postgraduate perspective.

With a robust academic background that spans continents and decades, Professor Montgomery's research has ranged from wolf conservation in Michigan to chimpanzee ecology in Tanzania, leading to widespread recognition in the fields of ecology, conservation, and education. He has previously been a professor at both Michigan State University and the University of Oxford.

An Associate Editor at several journals, including Conservation Biology and Biological Conservation, Professor Montgomery is also an author, with his forthcoming book Apex Predators in the Anthropocene: How Humans Shape Large Carnivore Populations set to be published by Oxford University Press this year. His innovative contributions to science have earned him recognition as a National Geographic Society Explorer and founder of the impactful Innovation for Conservation (ICON) Programme, which promotes wildlife conservation while uplifting rural communities.

Upon joining Cumbria, Professor Montgomery said: “I am extremely excited to be a part of the Cumbria community and will embed the University’s values of people, place, and partnerships in all that I do. “

Artificial Intelligence expert appointed as new Dean for the Institute of Industry, Business and Leadership

Professor Yanguo Jing is taking up the position as Dean for the Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership. Professor Jing joins University of Cumbria from Leeds Trinity University where he was Dean of the Faculty of Business, Computing and Digital Industries, prior to that holding senior positions at Coventry University’s Faculty of Business and Law, Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing, and Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Professor Jing’s primary research interests are artificial intelligence applications with recent research work focussing on the use of machine-learning methods to capture interaction and user behaviour patterns that can be used to develop intelligent applications. This has been applied in HR, sports analytics, social networking and extra-care/assisted living settings with his recent work being nominated in the Educate North Awards 2025 under the “innovation” category.

Professor Jing has 25 years of experience in higher education and is a Principal Fellow of the Advance HE (PFHEA), a council member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS), a member of the CABS’s executive education committee, a Certified Management & Business Educator (CMBE), a Fellow of British Computer Society (BCS), and a Chartered IT professional (CITP). 

Professor Jing has a track record of winning significant research and knowledge exchange, executive education and apprenticeship contracts from the public sector and businesses including the Cabinet Office, Office for Students, Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Ministry of Justice. 

Professor Jing said: “I am excited to be joining the University of Cumbria as the Dean of the Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership. This is a pivotal time for the university, and I look forward to working with colleagues, students, alumni, businesses and our partners to drive forward student outcomes, sustainable growth, research and innovation, and academic excellence. Together, we will contribute meaningfully to the university’s Toward 2030 Strategy, supporting Cumbria’s priorities and beyond.”

Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor, said:

“It is a pleasure to welcome both Professor Montgomery and Professor Jing to our university’s community and I am excited to see the pivotal role each of them will play in the continued development of their respective institutes. Both our new professors bring with them a wealth of experience and place based contributions to applied research and knowledge exchange which is a key part of our T2030 strategy."