Prolific Deputy Vice-Chancellor ranked 29th in UK for his research

University of Bradford Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Zahir Irani has been ranked 29th in the UK for his scholarly work.

Prof Irani made the top 30 listing on the Guide2Research website, which uses data collected from important scientific journals and sites, including sources like Google Scholar, to gauge the visibility and influence of recent articles written by academics in scholarly publications.

It means he is among the most prolific academics in the country, specialising in applied computer science and AI, where his research has focused on applying AI techniques such as Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (a kind of visual 'brain storm' map structure used to understand causal reasoning) to complex challenges in areas such as eGovernment Decision Making, Modelling Supply Chain Food Loss and, Operations & Information Management challenges. Much of this research results from funding sourced from UKRC, EU-H2020 and Qatar Foundation. The rankings also include worldwide listings, which extend to thousands of scholars - Prof Irani came 522 globally.

Prof Irani, who was appointed Chairman of the Bradford Economic Recovery Board by the Bradford Metropolitan District Council in August 2020, said: “I became an academic to make a difference and have channelled my research curiosity and findings to add to a body of knowledge that has real impact, significance and reach. I am delighted that my research continues to be so well received across the world, with over two decades of research activity. Even though I hold a significant administrative role, I still find time to apply for grants, publish in leading journals, supervise PhD students and mentor others in supporting their research ambitions.”

The University of Bradford cultivates an ambitious research-intense environment where the scholarly research is very much integrated into the curriculum and informs the content of many other institutions across the world. Professor Irani added he aimed to set a tone, pace and standard for others to follow, finding a balance between many of the activities that define the modern academic.

Some of his most recent papers include: Role of big data and social media analytics for business to business sustainability, Managing food security through food waste and loss: Small data to big data, Gaining strategic insights into Logistics 4.0: expectations and impacts and Artificial intelligence and food security: swarm intelligence of AgriTech drones for smart AgriFood operations.

Prof Irani was also named in 2020 by The Sunday Times as one of the district’s main influencers.