Professor Ian Walsh BA(Hons), PhD, FRSA obtained his first degree in 3D Design from the University of Wales, Newport in 1988 and his PhD entitled ‘nurturing innovation in industrial design – quantifying innovation propensity in industrial design by means of a novel innovation trait index’ from the University of Wales, Swansea in 2008.

Ian is currently Dean of Swansea College of Art at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Ian is also Director of the Institute for Sustainable Design and Principal Investigator for the Cerebra Innovation Centre.

He has over 25 years’ experience as a designer, academic and researcher and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).His current research interests include the role of design thinking in assisted living and nurturing innovation in individuals and organisations.

Ian’s role with The Awen Institute is Crosscutting Theme Lead for design and development.