Professor Tim Whitley with Professor Anthony Forster

Global research and technology leader Tim Whitley has been named as the first BT Industrial Visiting Professor in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at the University of Essex. In this role Professor Whitley will be able to share his experiences of industrial research and the fast moving worlds of software and telecommunications innovation, while also fostering further research collaborations between BT and the University.

Professor Whitley, from Felixstowe, is BT’s Managing Director of Research and Innovation and Managing Director of BT’s R&D Campus at Adastral Park in Suffolk. Within these roles he oversees all aspects of BT’s Global Research and Innovation activities. He is also BT Director for the East of England

In 1996 Professor Whitley completed his PhD in Telecommunications at the University of Essex so he is well aware of its strengths in computer science and electronic engineering – which is a world leader in artificial intelligence, robotics and communications systems.

Professor Tim Whitley said: “I am honoured to become the BT Industrial Visiting Professor in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at the University of Essex. BT has a strong commitment to research partnerships and to supporting the East of England region. This role further strengthens our long-standing links with the University of Essex. I am really looking forward to working closely with the University, who are also a partner in the recently launched Tommy Flowers Institute, which will develop the research leaders of the future”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster said: “Tim is a world-renowned figure in research and an outstanding Essex alumnus so I am absolutely delighted he is to become our first BT Industrial Visiting Professor. The University of Essex and BT have always enjoyed a close relationship with many joint research projects and PhD students working on projects that not only push the boundaries of knowledge but also address real-world problems and applications of science and technology. This new role will hopefully allow us to forge even closer links and open new opportunities to work with BT in the future.”

Professor Whitley joined BT in 1981 as an apprentice engineer in Wrexham, North Wales. After sponsored study at university he joined the Optical Physics Division of BT’s Research department at Martlesham in Suffolk.

At Martlesham he spent nearly ten years conducting experimental research into optical fibre amplifiers and lasers and their application in high-speed communications systems. During this period he authored or co-authored over 50 peer reviewed, journal and conference papers.

On leaving the research department Tim held a number of roles ranging through technology consultancy, technical architecture, techno-economic analysis and Group Technology office.

In 2007 he was appointed as BT Group Strategy Director and in 2011 he became Managing Director of Research and Innovation for BT. In 2012 he also became MD of Adastral Park, BT’s global engineering HQ. He is an inventor on three patent families that gave rise to eight granted patents.

Further Links

• ICT research leaders of tomorrow being nurtured by Tommy Flowers Institute