Qualifications:
* Outstanding Research Record: This is paramount. Chair Professors are expected to be leaders in their field, demonstrated by a substantial body of high-impact publications, grants secured, patents held, and/or significant contributions to their discipline. The specific metrics will depend on the field (e.g., a humanities scholar might have a different publication record than a STEM scientist).
* National/International Recognition: They've generally achieved significant recognition within their academic community, potentially through prestigious awards, fellowships, invited lectureships, or editorial positions on leading journals.
* Teaching Excellence (often): While research is usually the primary focus, most Chair Professors also maintain a teaching role, though often at a higher level (supervising PhD students, teaching advanced courses, leading seminars). Their teaching reputation might be based on student evaluations, innovative pedagogy, or successful mentorship of students.
* Leadership Experience: While not always a strict requirement, experience in leading research groups, departments, or projects is often highly valued. This showcases their ability to manage people and resources effectively.
* Significant External Funding (often): The ability to secure substantial research grants is frequently a key indicator of a candidate's suitability for a Chair position. This demonstrates their capacity to attract funding and contribute to the institution's financial stability.
* Doctorate (PhD or equivalent): This is a fundamental requirement. Usually, significant postdoctoral experience is also expected.
Responsibilities:
* Research Leadership: This is the core responsibility. Chair Professors are expected to lead research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, secure funding, and publish high-quality work that advances their field. They often develop and lead a research group.
* Teaching and Mentoring: While the level of teaching commitment varies, Chair Professors typically engage in teaching advanced courses, supervising PhD students, and mentoring junior faculty. Their mentorship role extends to guiding the professional development of their colleagues and students.
* Departmental/Faculty Leadership: Many Chairs participate in departmental governance, contributing to strategic planning, curriculum development, and policy decisions. They may serve on various committees and contribute to the overall administration of their department or faculty.
* Fundraising and Grant Writing: Securing external funding is a crucial responsibility. Chairs are often instrumental in developing and submitting grant proposals to secure resources for their research and their department.
* Public Engagement and Outreach: Chair Professors often engage in activities to disseminate their research findings to wider audiences through public lectures, media appearances, and collaborations with industry or government.
* Maintaining a High Profile: They're expected to maintain a strong presence within their field, presenting their work at international conferences, publishing in top journals, and participating in relevant professional organizations.
It's important to note that the emphasis placed on specific responsibilities can vary based on the institution's priorities and the specific chair's area of expertise. Some Chairs might be primarily focused on research, while others may have a greater emphasis on teaching and mentorship. However, a strong research record is almost always a prerequisite for this prestigious position.