Professor Jamie Cross has been appointed as the inaugural Director of Glasgow Changing Futures (GCF). Professor Cross is a member of the School of Social and Political Sciences and has recently joined Glasgow from the University of Edinburgh where he was Director of the Edinburgh Earth Initiative. Jamie is a Professor of Social Anthropology, and his research and teaching brings critical traditions of social science into engagement with global challenges around health and sustainability. His recent work has included a comparative study of adaptations to extreme heat across four global cities and a collaboration with the solar industry to pioneer eco-design standards for new technologies.

Speaking about the appointment Professor Chris Pearce, Vice-Principal for Research & Knowledge Exchange and sponsor for GCF, said “This is an important role for the University and GCF. Jamie brings experience of working across a large institution to harness knowledge, skills, enthusiasm and passion for a common cause. Jamie joins us at an exciting time and I know colleagues are keen to start working with him in his role as Director of GCF. There is so much fantastic work being carried out across our institution and I hope that through GCF we can highlight, celebrate and harness these achievements to drive further success in delivering solutions to societal challenges.”

The new GCF Director Professor Jamie Cross said “I’m incredibly excited to take on this role. All universities change the future but not all universities have been changing the future for as long as the University of Glasgow. Under the banner of GCF, we have a unique opportunity to work in partnership to transform how a higher education institution co-delivers impact in a post-Covid, 1.5-degree world. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and students to build a programme that is truly integrated in the work of the University and that communicates a powerful statement about our institution’s values.”


First published: 11 March 2024