Professor Maria Fasli: Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
Maria joined the University in October 2025 from the University of Essex, where she was Acting Vice-Chancellor. Maria obtained her PhD in Computer Science from the University of Essex in 2000, specialising in Artificial Intelligence, and held academic and leadership roles at that university from 2000 onwards. Prior to being Acting Vice-Chancellor of Essex, she was Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Health, and she was founding Director of the Institute for Analytics and Data Science from 2014-19.
Maria is Director of the Economic and Social Research Council Business and Local Government Data Research Centre, and UNESCO Chair in Analytics and Data Science. Her research interests lie in AI techniques for complex systems and analysing and modelling structured/unstructured data for a range of applications. In 2016, she was awarded the first UNESCO Chair in Analytics and Data Science to support the development of skills and research capacity in data science, analytics and AI across the world. In 2005, Maria was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy UK for her novel approaches to education and supporting the student experience.
Maria is a member of the University Executive Team, the University Leadership Team and Senate. She chairs the University Research and Innovation Committee and her executive responsibilities include leading the Research and Innovation Portfolio which supports Research and Innovation activities within Sussex 2035. Maria is also Chair of the Sussex Innovation Centre Board.