Professor Richard Davies was appointed the University of Plymouth’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive in October 2024.
He joined Plymouth from Newcastle University where he had been Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global and Sustainability.
An earth scientist who studied at Reading and Edinburgh Universities, Richard started his career in the oil and gas industry, in the UK and abroad. His research now focuses on climate change, marine methane hydrates – also known as ‘fire-ice’ – and building projects in the area of carbon capture and storage.
Richard has been recognised for his work on controversial areas of science and public debate around fracking and the environmental impact of oil and gas.