Norwich University of the Arts recognises two new professors

We are delighted to announce the conferment of two new professorships at Norwich University of the Arts – recognising significant contributions to knowledge and high levels of academic achievement and standing.

Dr Ellie Nixon has been recognised as  Professor of International Theatre and Performance, reflecting her international standing and contribution to performance practice research and education.

Dr Nixon, Director of Film and Performing Arts at Norwich, is a theatre director, actor, and educator with over 30 years of extensive international experience in the performing arts, playing a central role in advancing learning, research and knowledge exchange.

Dr Kirk Woolford is Director of the University’s Institute for Creative Technologies. His work focuses on the creative application of emerging technologies, to explore how people are moved by their environments.

Dr Woolford has been recognised as Professor of Immersive Arts and Technologies, in relation to his contribution to immersive arts practice, technical innovation, research and education.

Responding to the news, Dr Nixon said:

“I’m grateful to Norwich University of the Arts for their support and recognition of my international trajectory as a theatre and performance practitioner, researcher, and pedagogue. I am excited to join the distinguished professoriate here and look forward to contributing to our dynamic research community in this new role.”

Dr Woolford said:

“I’d like to thank Norwich University of the Arts for supporting me in making the journey from creative practitioner to researcher. I’m a firm believer in practice-based research and research-informed teaching and look forward to developing immersive arts and technologies in Norwich and beyond.”

The addition of two new professors makes eleven in total at the University across a diverse range of disciplines, from Contemporary Art to Design and Computation.

Inaugural lectures, traditionally held to mark the appointment of new professorships, will be delivered by Dr Nixon and Dr Woolford during the autumn term.