University of Cumbria appoints Dr Rebecca Weston as Professor of Practice to strengthen ambitions
The University of Cumbria has appointed Dr Rebecca Weston CPhys, CEng, MBA (Oxon), FInstP, FNucI, FREng as Professor of Practice within its Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing, reinforcing the university's commitment to supporting the UK's growing defence, advanced manufacturing and nuclear sectors through education and industry collaboration.
The appointment reflects the university's ambition to establish its Barrow campus as a nationally recognised centre for engineering excellence, developing the skills and partnerships required to support the future workforce across defence, nuclear and advanced manufacturing.
Dr Weston brings extensive executive leadership experience from some of the UK's most strategically important organisations, including the Ministry of Defence, Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Throughout her career, she has led major engineering, operational and transformational programmes in highly regulated, safety-critical environments, working at the intersection of engineering, technology, national security and public policy.
As Professor of Practice, Dr Weston will work alongside academic colleagues, students and industry partners to strengthen the integration of academic scholarship with professional practice. She will help ensure that the Institute's teaching activities remain closely aligned with the evolving needs of employers and national priorities.
Dr Weston's experience across both the defence and civil sectors will play a vital role in developing the skills, confidence and leadership capabilities of students. By bringing real-world insight from some of the UK's most complex engineering environments, she will help equip graduates with the technical expertise, professional judgement and strategic thinking needed to succeed in modern engineering organisations.
Dr Kate Dixon, Director of the Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Cumbria, said: "Dr Weston’s appointment is a significant milestone for the Institute and for the university. Her experience spans some of the UK's most complex engineering environments, giving her a unique perspective on the leadership and technical capability needed to address future national challenges. As we continue to develop the institute and strengthen our partnerships, Dr Weston’s insight and strategic leadership will be invaluable in ensuring our teaching, research and engagement remain relevant and impactful."
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Rebecca Weston said: “I’m delighted to be joining the University of Cumbria as a Professor of Practice. It brings together two things I’ve been passionate about throughout my career since moving to Cumbria more than 25 years ago: developing people and building the capabilities that Cumbria (and the nation) needs for its future. I’ve seen first-hand, through Sellafield and NDA, and Barrow and the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, the difference that strong ecosystem of FE and HE programmes, aligned with engaged and committed employers, can make. I’m looking forward to supporting the university turn ambition into impact across the civil and defence nuclear landscape as well as other sectors.”