Meet our new Head of School

Cardiff graduate Professor Deborah Kays appointed Head of School 

A Cardiff University graduate, Professor Kays joins our School from the University of Nottingham, where she was a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry.

After an MChem degree at Cardiff University, followed by a PhD investigating the synthesis and reactivity of transition metal complexes of boron, Professor Kays took up a Junior Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford between 2005 and 2007.

She established an independent research programme looking at the stabilisation of low-co-ordinate main group and transition metal centres, and joined the University of Nottingham in 2007.

In recognition of her research achievements, Professor Kays received the Chemistry of Transition Metals Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2018.

Professor Kays said: “I am absolutely delighted to take on the role of Head of School of Chemistry at Cardiff University, an institution that holds a special place in my heart. Having completed both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees here, this appointment feels like a homecoming, allowing me to give back to the very community that nurtured my early academic growth.”

“In my new role, I look forward to fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration within the department, building on Cardiff University's strong tradition of excellence in teaching and research within the chemical sciences, and strengthening our reputation at a local, national and international level.”

“I am very excited about the journey ahead and am committed to making a lasting positive impact in my new role.”