The School of Technology is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor John Orr as its new Estates Academic Lead, effective 1 January 2026. In this role, Professor Orr will provide academic and operational coordination of estates-related matters across the School, working closely with Departments, School leadership, and the University’s Estates Division to ensure that current and future estate needs are aligned with strategic priorities.
Professor Orr brings extensive expertise in sustainability, building performance, and structural design. He is a Professor in the Department of Engineering and a Fellow of Magdalene College, and played a key role in delivering the award-winning Magdalene New Library, recipient of the 2022 RIBA Stirling Prize.
An EPSRC Early Career Fellow, Professor Orr’s research focuses on minimising embodied energy and improving construction productivity, particularly in concrete structures. He has led multiple major research projects and built a £3.8M funded portfolio aimed at advancing lightweight infrastructure and innovative construction solutions.
The School looks forward to Professor Orr’s leadership in shaping a sustainable and future-ready estate for teaching, research, and innovation.