An academic and thought leader of repute, Professor Purcell joined Harvard University as Visiting Scientist in 2016, to explore disruption in global higher education with an emphasis on sustainability leadership and governance for societal transformation. She was President of a UK public research university (2007-15), establishing its enterprise vision and ‘anchor’ status, taking it to the top 1% of global universities and number 1 ‘green’ UK university. Wendy consults widely for business and global universities on trends in higher education and the leadership/governance challenges, having set up educational partnerships across five continents. Her book on ‘Leadership disrupted’ is due for publication 2018/19.
Wendy was Non-Executive Board Member at UK Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (2013-2016), supporting policy work on higher/further education, research/innovation and wider business/enterprise agendas. She was Chair of the Nominations Committee and Member of the Cabinet Office Talent Advisory; she continues to support the Cabinet Office future and senior leadership schemes. Wendy was Expert Adviser to Sir Andrew Witty’s Review of Universities and Economic Growth, Sir Adrian Smith’s Postgraduate Review and supports Foresight projects for Government Office for Science, including a recent study on through-life learning and digital skills. She is Council Member of United Nations University and Director/Trustee of UK Charities (National Marine Aquarium, Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges). A life scientist, Wendy continues to undertake research in her field of pre-clinical science, with some 100 publications, working with pharma/biotech in the UK, Europe and USA. Wendy is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.
