Robert Van de Noort CBE DL

Researcher
DISC Type : Cs

Vice Chancellor at University of Reading

Cowley, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Robert Van de Noort is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading and a historian and archaeologist specializing in wetland environments. He applies his academic background in climate change adaptation to his public roles, including chairing the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and serving as a Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire.

Beyond his university duties, Robert is deeply involved in community and environmental stewardship. He serves as President of the River Thames Society and is a Patron of Launchpad Reading, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to connecting academia with public service and environmental sustainability.

He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for his contributions to science, flood risk management, and sustainability.

Personality Overview

Perfectionist

Process Focused

Soft Communicator

They tend to have clarity about their needs and constraints, and are unlikely to over-promise.  Being observant comes to them naturally. They do not like taking risks at all and go for proven options in the end.

Topics They Care About

Climate Adaptation
His archaeological research focuses on how past societies adapted to climate and sea-level change, a theme that directly informs his work on flood risk management.
Flood Risk Management
He has chaired the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, providing governance for the Environment Agency and protecting communities from flooding.
Environmental Sustainability
He has championed making the University of Reading a leader in sustainability and believes organizations must embody the green principles they advocate for.

Media Appearances

A Year Review: 2024 Vice‑Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort talks us through. Featured in Facebook (University of Reading official page)

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An Interview with University of Reading's Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort CBE – Leading by Example. Featured in Pearl – University of Reading

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University of Reading says farm sale cash will be reinvested. Featured in BBC News

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Work History

2-2019
Vice Chancellor at University of Reading
8-2018 - 2-2019
Deputy Vice-Chancellor at University of Reading
8-2014 - 7-2018
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Academic Planning and Resource at University of Reading
9-2017 - 8-2024
Chair, Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee at Defra
8-2011 - 7-2014
Dean, College of Social Science and International Studies & Professor of Wetland Archaeology at University of Exeter

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from University of Exeter
1984 - 1988
Drs from University of Amsterdam

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 17 Location : Cowley, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Vice Chancellor at University of Reading
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Insights For Selling To Robert

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Preferably use email to follow up with them instead of phone or Linkedin, engage by asking question or opinions
  • Share whitepapers or case studies that showcase measurable results instead of just telling customer stories
  • If they are not asking many questions, nudge them to ask questions rather than just starting to talk yourself

DONT's

  • Don’t overhype the product/pitch, keep it measured
  • Avoid emotional and informal language, stay objective and to the point instead
  • Avoid phrases like ‘trust me’, ‘you will just love it’ etc.

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Robert is

  • Adoption by others is very important to them, followed by confidence in ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Robert

  • They don’t say no often, they push out the decisions or keep going around in circles.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Robert move?

  • They don't like to hasten, so their speed of decision-making may be slow.
  • Can Robert take some risk or not?

  • They have little willingness to take risks, and prefer making calculated decisions.

You And Robert

Personality Compatibility


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