Inaugural Lecture: Professor Lisa-Dionne Morris, School of Mechanical Engineering
- Date: Wednesday 2 October 2024, 15:45 – 18:00
- Location: Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- Type: Inaugural Lecture
- Cost: Free
Join us on 2 October for the upcoming Inaugural Lecture of Lisa-Dionne Morris, Professor of Public & Industry Understanding of Capability Driven Design in the School of Mechanical Engineering.
An inaugural lecture is a significant milestone in any academic’s career, recognising their promotion to Professor. It also offers an opportunity for our new professorial colleagues to showcase their work and innovative research with a broad audience, including members of the public, family, friends, and colleagues.
This lecture is part of a Faculty-wide series that celebrates those who have joined the University to offer ever greater teaching, research, and expertise across our eight Schools.
About this lecture
In her lecture, “Unleashing Potential: The Role of STEM Academic Entrepreneurialism in Modern Higher Education”, Professor Lisa-Dionne Morris examines how academics increasingly engage in entrepreneurial activities within higher education, such as commercialising their expertise, creating start-ups, and forming industry partnerships. These efforts aim to harness intellectual capital and foster a culture of innovation in academic settings.
Professor Morris, who develops new capability design-driven solutions to address real-world problems, will use her lecture to underscore the impact of integrating entrepreneurial principles into academia, which enhances knowledge transfer and drives economic and societal benefits. By developing innovative solutions and collaborating with industry, government, and communities, academics contribute to regional and national economic growth.
Despite the benefits, academic entrepreneurialism poses challenges, such as balancing academic integrity with commercial interests. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable entrepreneurial activities, which are crucial for enhancing research relevance, preparing academics for global competition, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
About our speaker
Professor Lisa-Dionne Morris is an accomplished design engineer and academic leader with over 30 years of industry consultancy experience and over 20 years in global academic relationships across Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America. She has earned prestigious awards, including the Sir John Sorrel Design Engineering Award and the Ruth Drew Award for Women Industrial Design Engineers. As a professor at the University of Leeds, she partners with international government agencies and industry specialists to foster academic growth and entrepreneurial business development.
Lisa-Dionne has a strong reputation for building dynamic teams that enhance digital transformation, innovation, and operational efficiency. Her leadership roles include founding the AKTO Virtual Centre of Excellence for Frugal Innovation and Design, directing GEMS Executive Coaching Limited, and establishing the Black Female Academics’ Network (BFAN). She also serves as an Executive Global Innovation Technology Advisor for Leonard Cheshire, Advisor and Chief External Examiner for the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). She holds governance roles at Leeds University Technical College and Bradford Girls’ Grammar School. Lisa-Dionne distinguished visiting professor at the University of the West Indies, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico and the University of Cape Town.
Book your place
The lecture will take place in the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Leeds, with arrival and registration from 3:45pm in the foyer, and the lecture commencing at 4pm in Rhodes Lecture Theatre G.55. This will be followed by a drinks reception in the atrium of the Sir William Henry Bragg Building from 5pm.