Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) has appointed Professor Nick Dunn as its new Research Lead, strengthening the School’s international research leadership.
Professor Dunn returns to MSA having previously been part of the School earlier in his academic career. His appointment brings extensive experience in research leadership alongside internationally recognised work exploring the future of cities, speculative design and the emerging field of night studies.
His research examines how cities are experienced, designed and governed after dark, and how architects and urban thinkers can respond to the changing social, cultural and environmental challenges facing contemporary urban life.
Professor Dunn said:
“I’m delighted to be returning to the Manchester School of Architecture and to be part of such a vibrant and diverse team. It’s exciting to come back at a time when the school has evolved so significantly, and I look forward to sharing my research leadership experience while developing new collaborations around urban futures and designing for cities at night. With its global reputation, MSA, Manchester Metropolitan, and the wider city provide a strong platform to build strategic partnerships and support excellence in teaching and research through innovative, impactful work.”
In his new role, Professor Dunn will help shape the School’s research strategy while strengthening collaborations across architecture, urban studies and design. He will also contribute to teaching through one of the School’s distinctive Ateliers, ensuring research continues to inform the studio culture that sits at the heart of the MSA curriculum.
Professor Kevin Singh, Head of Manchester School of Architecture, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Professor Nick Dunn back home to the Manchester School of Architecture as our new Research Lead.
Nick’s track record in research leadership is a very exciting prospect for the School in terms of developing our overall research environment, our continued push to world class research that informs our teaching for the benefit of our students and the development of early career staff and our PhD community. Nick will also make a research led contribution to one of our teaching Ateliers which are one of the key aspects of our curriculum delivery.”
Manchester School of Architecture is a collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester and is consistently ranked among the leading schools of architecture in the UK and internationally. Professor Dunn’s appointment further strengthens the School’s ambition to deliver impactful research while continuing to shape the next generation of architects.