Professor Andrew Lloyd: four decades of impact at the University of Brighton

Andrew first joined Brighton Polytechnic in 1986 as a research assistant while completing his PhD in Pharmacy. Over the years, he progressed through academic and leadership roles, including Dean, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Interim Vice-Chancellor, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Andrew’s history with the institution goes back even further than that, as his father was a Lecturer in Radiochemistry in the 1960s and he visited often during his childhood.

“My fondest memories are of the staff children’s Christmas parties in the late 1960s and early 1970s which were held on the open mezzanine floor in Cockcroft, with Santa Claus emerging every year from the lift at the east end of the building,” Andrew recalls. “I never expected to be here to write about my reflections so many years later. But whenever I thought about moving on, I was always presented with a new challenge - from building new facilities to reorganising academic structures.”

Andrew Lloyd picking up his PhD at Graduation in 1991

His leadership has been central to major developments, such as the creation of the Huxley and Advanced Engineering Buildings, the refurbishment of Cockcroft, and the Big Build programme that transformed the Moulsecoomb campus. He also helped oversee projects that consolidated the university’s estate and enhanced facilities for health and sport sciences in Falmer.

Alongside his administrative roles, Andrew has maintained a strong research profile, securing grants from the Medical Research Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and building partnerships with industry through knowledge transfer programmes. He was an early advocate for digital innovation, helping to lead the transition from Macs to PCs and introducing blended learning approaches long before they became standard practice.

“Our academic lives have been transformed,” he says. “Rather than having an office full of paper files and documents, everything is now in the cloud.”

Reflecting on what kept him at Brighton, Andrew highlights the institution’s impact on people:

“I came here to study thinking I’d change lives through developing new medicines. However, within months of being at Brighton I saw first-hand how I could change more lives through my contribution to education and research in an academic environment – how this institution gave people opportunities and future careers which they might not have otherwise realised.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Donna Whitehead praised Andrew’s contribution over his 40-year career at the university:

“Andrew’s story is woven into the modern fabric of the University of Brighton. From joining us as a research assistant in 1986 to becoming one of our most senior leaders, his journey has taken in some of the most important developments in our history. Over nearly four decades, Andrew has helped shape who we are today – through his vision for research and innovation, his commitment to the university’s values, and his tireless work to ensure our students have the best possible experience.” 

Andrew Lloyd helping with Moving in Day 2022

Andrew Lloyd with Honorary Graduate Ted Brown at Graduation 2025

Donna also acknowledged his role in preparing for the institution’s future as the university continues to embed its Distinctively Brighton 2035 strategy:

“I want to thank Andrew for the care and thought he has put into ensuring a smooth transition for his successor as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kene Igweonu. Andrew has provided him with a firm foundation on which to continue the important work of shaping our university’s future. Although Andrew is retiring from his formal role, we are fortunate that he will remain part of our community as an Emeritus Professor. His influence will continue to be felt in the work we do and the values we uphold.”

As Andrew moves into his emeritus role, his influence will remain embedded in the University’s culture and infrastructure.

“It is now time to do something different and make a positive impact in other ways,” he says. “I’ve hugely enjoyed working with everyone across the university on this journey and look forward to watching Brighton flourish further over the coming years.”

Andrew will continue his association with the University of Brighton as an Emeritus Professor.