Draft:Professor Andrew Jones

Professor Andrew Jones
Vice-Chancellor and President of Brunel University London
Incumbent
Assumed office January 2022
Chancellor	Richard Sykes
Preceded by	Julia Buckingham
Personal details
Born	1973 (age 50–51)
Alma mater	St John's College, Cambridge
Profession	Academic

Andrew Jones is a British academic and interdisciplinary social scientist with a background in Economic Geography. Since January 2022, he has served as Vice-Chancellor and President of Brunel University of London.

Early Life and Education

Andrew Jones was born in 1973 and pursued his studies in Geography at the University of Cambridge, graduating with a first-class honours. He later completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree at St John’s College, Cambridge, specializing in "Deconstructing Globalization: The Nature of Transnational Business Activity in the Investment Banking and Management Consultancy Industries".

Academic Career

Early Academic Work

In 2000, Prof. Jones began his academic career as a Postdoctoral researcher/Lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London. His early academic work focused on economic geography, specifically the activities of organizations and how they relate to the development of a globalized economy.This led to various research projects on the working practices of global organizations and the role of information technology, travel, and mobility strategies in global competitiveness.

Leadership Roles in Academia

Prof. Jones remained at Birkbeck, University of LondonBirkbeck, becoming a Professor of Economic Geography in 2010. At Birbeck, Jones held various academic leadership roles, including Head of Department (2004), Widening Participation (2009), Assistant Dean Knowledge Transfer (2010), and Assistant Dean (Research) (2011). In 2012, Prof. Jones joined City, University of London as the Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences At City, University of London, Jones held other roles such as Vice-President (Research & Enterprise). In his capacity as Deputy President, he played a crucial role in shaping the university’s research agenda and strategic direction. His leadership extended to major national initiatives, including serving on the Research Excellence Framework 2014 and 2021 panels for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), where he assessed the quality of research across UK universities.

In January 2022, Professor Jones became Vice-Chancellor of Brunel University of London.He described this role as “an exciting opportunity to lead a world-class university known for its industry engagement in education, technology, research, and innovation.” His leadership at Brunel has been marked by a focus on interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and enhancing the university's role as an engine of social mobility and economic growth in West London and beyond.

Research Contributions

Jones’ research primarily focuses on how the activities of organizations are shaped by, and contribute to, the ongoing development of a globalized economy. His work spans various fields, including political science, sociology, and management studies. His research has explored how global companies use technology and mobility strategies to remain competitive and how knowledge management is influenced by local contexts. His most recent joint-edited book (with Patrik Strom), Handbook of Research into the Green Economy, was published in 2024.

Leadership and Sector Roles

Jones has played a key role in higher education leadership outside of his university appointments. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of London Higher , representing the diverse higher education sector in London, and he serves as the Research and Innovation Policy Leader at Universities UK , a position he assumed in August 2024. He had previously worked with Research England on the role universities play in generating economic growth, notably with policy work on university entrepreneurial ecosystems and commercialization.

Prof. Jones is in his second 3-year term as a Trustee and Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), where he has contributed to strategy development as a Board member. He also advises on policy engagement as well as inclusion and diversity in science education. From 2013-2019, he served as a trustee and Director for the Academy of Social Sciences, ending as its Treasurer.

As Vice-Chancellor of Brunel, Jones has emphasized industry-partnered, high-quality education and has continued to build on the university's strong research base, particularly in sustainable energy and energy grid technologies. His leadership has focused on ensuring that Brunel remains at the forefront of innovation, and he has spoken about the importance of Brunel's West London location as a significant advantage for driving forward local and global impacts.

Key Projects and Achievements

Professor Jones has been involved in numerous high-profile research projects throughout his career, including his studies on the globalization of investment banking and legal industries. His research has had a significant impact on understanding the role of specific cities as key locations for global industries.

Honours and Recognition

Jones has been recognized for his contributions to the academic world through various fellowships, including his election as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, the Royal Geographical Society, and the Royal Society of Arts.

Books and Publications

• Jones, Andrew; Ström, Patrik, eds. (2023). Handbook of Research on the Green Economy. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. ISBN 978-1-80088-175-8.
• Jones, A.M., Strom, P., Hermelin, B., and Rusten, G., eds. (2016). Services and the Green Economy. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Jones, A.M. (2012) Human Geography: The Basics. London: Routledge.
• Coe, N. and Jones, A. (2010)The Economic Geography of the UK. London: Sage. [August, 276 pp]
• Jones, A.M. (2010) Globalization: Key Thinkers. Cambridge: Polity. [26 June, 275 pp]