Professor Jonathan Cooper, formerly Professor of Aerostructures and Aeroelasticity at the University of Liverpool, has been named the new Airbus Sir George White Chair, a joint Bristol University and Airbus position. Sir George White founded one of the most important British aviation companies, the Bristol Aeroplane Company, back in 1910, one of the forerunners to BAE SYSTEMS and Airbus in the UK. 

This new appointment will benefit the aerospace industry, as it will play a key role in linking Airbus into academia. Additionally, it will also benefit the University, with a strong industrial input into the University research programme. 

Neil Scott, Vice President of Engineering and Head of Landing Gear Centre of Competence, said: “In our ever demanding and challenging role in aerospace engineering, it is essential to maximise the combined strengths of both industry and academia, and this role is an important step in that direction.”

Bringing extensive experience in aeroelasticity, loads and structural dynamics, Professor Cooper, who will start on 1 February 2012, will be leading the Bristol University Aeroelasticity and Aerostructures activities in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. 

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Bristol, said: “Aerospace engineering at Bristol is one of the leading aerospace research and teaching departments in the UK, with strong industrial links benefiting both students and researchers.  Professor Cooper has an outstanding reputation for his research and we are delighted that he will be joining colleagues who are internationally recognised for their groundbreaking research.”

Commenting on his new position, Professor Jonathan Cooper said: “After many years working at the cutting edge of academic research in aerospace, I am really looking forward to this exciting new challenge to bring Bristol University and Airbus closer together.”

Originally from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Professor Jonathan Cooper graduated with a BSc in Engineering Mathematics and a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from Queen Mary College, University of London. He then worked at the Royal Aerospace Establishment in Farnborough and spent 18 years at the University of Manchester lecturing on the Aerospace Engineering courses and researching in the fields of vibration and aeroelasticity.