Professor Robert Adlington, incoming Head of Research and Professor Mark Bowden, incoming Head of Postgraduate Taught Programmes

Royal College of Music announce Head of Research and Head of Postgraduate Taught Programmes

Wednesday 15 June 2022

The Royal College of Music (RCM) is delighted to announce the appointments of Professor Robert Adlington as Head of Research and Professor Mark Bowden as Head of Postgraduate Taught Programmes.

Professor Robert Adlington joins the RCM as Head of Research and Professor of Musicology from 1 September. Professor Adlington holds the Queen’s Anniversary Prize Chair in Contemporary Music at the University of Huddersfield and his research focuses on avant-garde and experimental music since 1960. He has published books on Harrison Birtwistle, Louis Andriessen, and avant-garde music in 1960s Amsterdam, and edited volumes on music and communism, music and democracy, and new music theatre.

Speaking of his appointment, Professor Adlington said: ‘I am thrilled to be appointed as Head of Research at the Royal College of Music. RCM research has an outstanding track record of delivering new insights and benefit to diverse audiences and user-communities around the world. I look forward to supporting staff and doctoral researchers to achieve ever-greater success in pioneering new thinking and developing innovative responses to the changing needs of society.’

Also joining the RCM on 1 September is Professor Mark Bowden as Head of Postgraduate Taught Programmes. Mark is currently Professor of Composition at Royal Holloway, University of London and his work has received a Royal Philharmonic Society Composition Prize, a British Composer Award and an Ivor Novello Award nomination. He is currently writing a full-length opera for the Welsh National Opera, which will premiere in the 2024/25 season.

Professor Bowden comments: ‘I am delighted and honoured to take up this role. As a graduate of the College, I know first-hand how transformative a Royal College of Music education can be. I will build upon the solid foundations of the College’s programmes to ensure our postgraduate students enjoy the most enriching musical and educational experiences possible. I look forward to meeting the wider College community and creating an exciting future together.'

Professor Colin Lawson, Director of the RCM, comments: ‘I am delighted that Professor Adlington will be joining us as Head of Research. His work across theory and practice accords perfectly with the College’s Research Strategy. It is also a pleasure to welcome back an alumnus in Professor Bowden and I am confident he will prove an inspiring leader for our postgraduate students.’

Find out more about Research at the RCM and taught postgraduate study at the RCM.

Back to top