Cranfield appoints Prof Mark Westwood as Director of Defence and Security

Above: Professor Mark Westwood.
Courtesy Cranfield University

Mark joined Cranfield University in 2021 as Professor of Aeronautics and Head of the Centre for Aeronautics, one of the world’s largest centres for postgraduate education and research in aircraft design, aerodynamics, advanced modelling and simulation tools and methods. 

Mark began his career working for the UK MoD, within the Defence and Evaluation Research Agency (DERA – later QinetiQ), where he worked on aerospace research and development across civil and military technology demonstrator programmes. In 2012, he moved into the private sector at the Aircraft Research Association, driving significant growth in industrial R&D activity partnered with a range of international aerospace OEMs and UK MoD.

He joined the Transport Systems Catapult in 2015 to lead research and development into automated and autonomous transport technologies – working alongside global industrial partners such as Nissan on the HumanDrive project – then became Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He has also held external roles as a member of the Civil Aviation Authority’s Environmental Sustainability Panel, a specialist, non-statutory body providing expert technical advice and provides advice to the Jet Zero Task Force Task and Finish Group on the commercialisation of hydrogen aviation.

Mark said: “I’m delighted to return to my defence roots in taking on this role. Cranfield University has a rich heritage in defence and plays an important role in supporting the Armed Forces with specialist education.

“Alongside this Cranfield helps the wider defence and security industry with valuable research and development through our unique knowledge and facilities including Cranfield Ordnance Test and Evaluation Centre (COTEC) and our Shrivenham campus based on a secure military site. This activity has never been more important and relevant in support of sovereign capability.  

“I’m really excited at the prospect of working with our team to build on its world-class reputation and provide even greater impact in support of our partners.” 

Professor Westwood takes over as Director of Defence and Security from Professor Mark Richardson who is retiring after a 37-year career at the University.

Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng said: “I want to thank Professor Mark Richardson for his dedication and incredible service to our students and partners across many decades. His leadership has taken Cranfield’s work in defence and security from strength to strength.

“I’m delighted that Professor Mark Westwood has been appointed to this crucial role, at a time when national security and defence is rising up the agenda with rapid technological adaptation and growing global threats. His deep knowledge of the sector and wide industry connections will ensure that Cranfield continues to deliver the skills, research and consultancy that is crucial to defence and security across the globe.”

Cranfield is one of the world’s leading universities for defence and security education, research and consultancy – trusted by governments, armed forces, industry and security services around the world. Its academics’ expertise ranges from energetics, defence management and forensic sciences to counter terrorism, international stabilisation and cyber security. Cranfield is a postgraduate academic provider to the UK’s Ministry of Defence.