Professor David Tann

Professor David Tann is the Vice Provost (Technology) and Executive Dean of the School of Architecture, Computer and Engineering at the University of East London. He has over 30 years of experience in teaching, research, and management within the UK higher education sector. His academic career has progressed from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, Principal Lecturer, Professor, and since 2005, various academic leadership and managerial roles. He has been deeply involved in curriculum development, validation, accreditation, student recruitment, student experience, international partnerships, external examination, and numerous university committees.

Before joining the University of East London, he served as Assistant Dean (International) of School at the University of the West of Scotland. Prior to that, he was Head of Department at London South Bank University and Deputy Head of the Department of Engineering at the former University of Glamorgan (now the University of South Wales). His early professional career included roles at British Coal South Wales and as a Structural Design Engineer in Cardiff, where he was the lead designer for notable structures such as the Cardiff Copthorne Hotel and the SHAW Building in Wales. His research focuses on numerical modelling, sustainability, and the strengthening of degraded concrete structures using fibre reinforced polymer composites, particularly addressing the ductility and deformability issue of such structures.

David is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Chartered Engineer, and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He served two terms as the chair of ICE’s Academic Qualifications Panel and currently sits on the Joint Board of Moderates (JBM) and as an associate editor of the ICE’s journal of Structures and Buildings. He holds visiting professorships at South China University of Technology, University of South China, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, and Henan Polytechnic University.

Beyond academia, David has been actively engaged in public service. During his time in Wales, he served as an Independent Advisor to South Wales Police, an Interpreter for the Home Office and supported the Welsh Assembly Government in attracting inward investment from the Far East.