University News Last updated 10 June
Professor Hanifa Shah is on a mission to shape a “bold, future-ready” Birmingham City University (BCU) as she steps into her new position as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, External Engagement and STEAM.
“I am honoured to take on this important position at such a pivotal time for Birmingham City University,” said Professor Shah (pictured). “Higher education is an exciting place to be, and I believe our University can be a real catalyst and driver for meaningful change.”
Professor Shah’s appointment recognises her outstanding leadership, breadth of expertise, and commitment to advancing excellence and innovation in higher education.
A key member of the University Executive Team, she has already had a transformative impact at BCU in her roles as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment (CEBE), and the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media (ADM).
The two faculties under Professor Shah’s watch have generated more than £100 million annually, supported 500+ staff, and educated 10,000+ on-campus students alongside thousands more globally.
Under Professor Shah’s leadership, CEBE has undergone significant transformation.
She led a major faculty restructure in response to evolving student needs, business requirements and national policy direction, embedding a vibrant culture of high academic excellence, inclusion and continuous improvement.
She has also built and empowered high-performing, multidisciplinary teams, delivered measurable success in financial performance, academic KPIs, and NSS outcomes - approaches that now underpin the University’s transition to delivering its Strategy 2030 ambitions.
“BCU has a proud tradition of applied excellence,” said Professor Shah. “As we deliver on Strategy 2030, I am excited to continue building inclusive, high-performing environments where creativity, technology and research come together to tackle real-world challenges.
“I have a significant remit that is critical to shaping a bold, future-ready institution – and I look forward to working across our community to drive innovation, social impact and global reach.”
A leading researcher in interdisciplinary information systems, Professor Shah has a deep understanding of how technology drives change across business and societal sectors.
She has championed impactful applied research and enterprise engagement, leading to high-quality outputs and national recognition.
Under her guidance, BCU has emerged as a UK leader in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, 5G, IoT, Smart & Sustainable Cities, and Data Analytics.
Professor Shah also launched the Reimagining Engineering programme - a pioneering, industry-informed, STEAM-based approach to engineering education - and led the foundational applied research programmes that underpin BCU’s AHRC-funded CreaTech Frontiers project, helping establish the West Midlands as a global hub for creative innovation.
“Our research and enterprise work must be brave, applied, and impactful, responding to the needs of our communities and industries,” said Professor Shah.
“Widening access to opportunity is also extremely important. Whether through scholarship programmes, inclusive leadership or industry partnerships, I am committed to ensuring that all students can thrive and succeed.”
Professor Shah also created the academic vision for STEAMhouse, BCU’s £70 million flagship centre for interdisciplinary collaboration, uniting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics to foster creativity and innovation.
“STEAMhouse represents the very best of what universities can be, bringing together diverse thinkers from across disciplines to create, experiment and transform society,” said Professor Shah.
“I will continue to champion STEAM as a driver of innovation and inclusive growth.”
Professor Shah’s commitment to social mobility is equally strong.
Working with organisations such as the Henderson Foundation, Millennium Point Trust, Central Cooperative, and the Office for Students, she has led teams that secured scholarships for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly women.