Wendy Purcell PhD, FRSA

Wendy was President Vice-Chancellor of a public UK research university (2007/8-2015/16), setting its strategic mission and taking it to the top 1% of all universities, 37th among the world’s modern universities, and 1st ‘green’ UK university. 

She joined Harvard’s Center for Health and the Global Environment in fall 2016 as a Visiting Scientist, moving to the Department of Environmental Health in January 2018, and researches and publishes in the field of leadership and governance in sustainable transformation. 

Wendy joined Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University in fall 2022 as a professor leading curriculum and research on sustainability, climate and health. 

She is a Council Member of the United Nations University, Director of United Planet and held Director roles with UK environmental charities and was Founder and Chair of the Council for Healthcare Scientists.  Professor Purcell was Non-Executive Board Member to the UK Government for business, innovation and skills, an Expert Adviser to the Review of Universities and Economic Growth and supports Foresight programs for the Government Office for Science and senior leadership development for Cabinet Office. 

Wendy undertakes research in her field of systemic organizational change and the Sustainable Development Goals, working with business CEO’s and C-suite leaders across a variety of sectors.  She is a thought leader on disruption and distinctiveness in higher education, consulting on the impact of global trends, technology and internationalization as well as search in knowledge sectors.  Wendy acts as a coach to academic faculty and leaders at all levels across a range of business sectors and support peer mentoring in her practice.

Her work has been included in patent filings relating to innovation in methodology and applications and she has supervised, to successful conclusion 14 PhDs with research grants totaling more than $20 million.  Professor Purcell is an academic referee and research grant reviewer and judge of the international Green Gown awards.