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Computer Science building renamed in honour of Professor Ian Wand

Posted on 6 July 2022

The Computer Science building on Campus East has been renamed the Ian Wand Building, after one of the first professors of Computer Science at the University.

Vice-Chancellor Charlie Jeffery and Helen Wand with a plaque for the Ian Wand building

The announcement was made by Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery at a ceremony on 30 June and a plaque commemorating the new name was unveiled by Helen Wand, Ian’s widow.

Professor Ian Wand was one of the first academics to join the department of Computer Science in the early 1970s and became the second Head of Department in 1983. During his time at the University of York he worked hard to grow the department and develop its research reputation.

He was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of York in 1999, remaining in the role until his retirement in 2002, and was a leading figure in many university projects including the establishment of the Hull York Medical School.

The unveiling ceremony was a part of the department’s 50th anniversary celebrations. 2022 marks 50 years since the University of York appointed Professor Ian C Pyle as the very first professor of Computer Science and officially recognised the discipline. The anniversary was celebrated with a series of events, lectures, online articles and an exhibition in the Ron Cooke Hub.