Professor Christoph Lindner has been unveiled as the Royal College Of Art’s incoming President and Vice-Chancellor in a significant development for London’s esteemed institution. The announcement, following an extensive international search, marks a pivotal moment for the renowned RCA, known for its cutting-edge contributions to the arts and design. For many years the QS University Rankings has placed the Royal College Of Art on the Top of its Best In World List in the Art & Design category.
With over two decades of experience as an interdisciplinary scholar specialising in cities and visual culture, Professor Lindner’s appointment is set to bring a fresh perspective to the leadership of the RCA. His illustrious career has spanned top universities in the United States, Europe, and the UK, making him a standout choice for the coveted role.
Currently serving as the Dean of the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment at University College London (UCL), Professor Lindner is recognised for his transformative leadership. His tenure at The Bartlett, a world-leading institution in architecture and the built environment has been marked by a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and significant strides in addressing the global climate crisis.
Under his guidance, The Bartlett maintained its top position in the QS World University Subject Ranking 2023 and achieved the highest overall results in the UK for the built environment subject area in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Notable initiatives include launching The Bartlett Promise Scholarship program to diversify the graduate pipeline and introducing interdisciplinary degrees in sustainability.
Before his role at UCL, Professor Lindner held critical positions at the University of Oregon and the University of Amsterdam, where he demonstrated a keen understanding of the intersection of media, culture, and social-spatial inequality. His impressive academic career includes 15 books and visiting professorships at prestigious institutions globally.
Sir Peter Bazalgette, RCA Pro-Chancellor and Chair, expressed enthusiasm for the appointment, emphasising Professor Lindner’s international standing, interdisciplinary expertise, and commitment to equity and diversity. Outgoing Vice-Chancellor Dr. Paul Thompson endorsed the selection, expressing confidence in Professor Lindner’s ability to lead the RCA with flair and wisdom.
Professor Lindner states, “As a global leader in art and design, the RCA is uniquely positioned to mobilise the transformative power of creativity and interdisciplinary practice to address society’s most pressing challenges.” His vision aligns seamlessly with the RCA’s legacy of boundless imagination and bold experimentation, heralding an exciting chapter for this beacon of creativity in the heart of London.
Royal College of Art: Pioneering Art and Design Education Since 1837
In the heart of London stands the Royal College of Art (RCA), a venerable institution founded in 1837 that has earned its stripes as the world’s leading art and design university. With a focus on teaching and research, the RCA offers a spectrum of degrees, including MA, MPhil, MFA, MDes, March, MEd, MRes, Graduate Diploma, and PhD, spanning the domains of architecture, arts & humanities, design, and communication.
Cementing its status as a small, specialist, and research-intensive postgraduate university, the RCA provides approximately 2,800 students with unparalleled opportunities to embark on art and design projects that have the power to transform the world.
At the core of the RCA’s philosophy is the belief that collaboration between art, design, creative thinking, science, engineering, and technology is paramount in addressing today’s global challenges. More than 850 distinguished academic and professional staff contribute to the development of students across 34 educational programs, fostering an environment.