Inaugural Lectures
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
In his inaugural lecture, Professor Duncan Sharp, Dean of the School of Health reflects on a career shaped as much by unexpected conversations as by deliberate choice.
Drawing on key moments across research, health innovation, leadership, and knowledge exchange, he offers candid reflections on the space between chance and design — how serendipity favours the prepared mind, why strategy must translate values into action, and why partnerships are not transactions but long-term commitments to shared public value.
He will also reflect on professorial leadership as stewardship — shaping environments in which people, ideas, and systems can flourish.
This lecture is part of Leeds Beckett University's inaugural professional lecture series.
Professor Duncan Sharp
School of Health
Duncan is Dean of the School of Health and Professor of Health Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange at Leeds Beckett University.
Since joining the University in 2009 as a Senior Lecturer, Duncan has held a range of academic and leadership roles – including Reader, Head of School, and, since 2016, Dean. In 2021, he became the founding Dean of the newly established School of Health.
With a background spanning science, healthcare, academia, and leadership, Duncan initially trained as a Biomedical Scientist before focusing on the development of novel electrochemical sensor technologies for healthcare and military applications. He has also led innovations in teaching and learning, including developing new teaching methods, engaging students in research-led education, and exploring innovative ways to enhance employability skills.
This scientific and academic grounding, combined with a growing portfolio of leadership roles, has shaped his commitment to creating impact through collaboration and the power of partnerships. Working across an increasingly diverse range of disciplines and professions, and with external partners, sparked Duncan’s passion for the anchor role of universities in driving public sector reform, tackling inequalities, shaping health and care policy, and delivering organisational leadership and development that creates lasting social and economic value.
As Professor of Health Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange, Duncan brings together academic, leadership, and partnership expertise to forge high-impact collaborations between universities, health systems, and government. His current work focuses on connecting universities, NHS partners, local authorities, and industry to deliver solutions to real-world challenges, shape workforce development, strengthen communities, and improve health outcomes.
Alongside his university role, Duncan holds several external leadership positions, including Co-Chair of the Leeds Clinical Senate, Board Member of the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) Leeds Hub, and Board Member of the Leeds Academic Health Partnership (LAHP).
Duncan is a Principal Fellow of AdvanceHE (PFHEA) and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Biology (FRSB).
