Associate Professor joins community of global leaders

Peter Rudge, Associate Professor of Film at Staffordshire University, has been appointed as Senator for World Business Angels Investment Forum.

Associate Professor Peter Rudge

I think this fits particularly well with our commitment to being a civic university in its widest sense – working closely and strategically with local partners and communities but always connected to the global issues that will define the coming decade.

Peter Rudge, Associate Professor of Film

Peter is currently Chair of Platform, the Moving Image Cluster for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, which supports creative talent in the region. He also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network and the United Nations Expert Group on Creative Economies.

This new appointment will see the UK join the largest forum of the world’s equity markets, giving UK based angel investors, private equity funds, accelerators and entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with global leaders in the same field.

In his new role, Peter will join other Senators and world leaders such as Swati Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, 6th President of the Republic of Mauritius.

He said: “I’m honoured that I’ve been invited to join the WBAF as Senator for the UK and to be part of a global community of extraordinary leaders that represent more than 90 countries – it’s not everyday that you get to chat to a Mandela!”

As Senator for the UK and part of the World Leaders Programme, Peter’s role is to engage with regional and national government around policy development to support these goals, build strong and inclusive innovation and financial ecosystems with entrepreneurs, investors and institutions, particularly in those regions outside the major cities, and to then connect to the global innovation and financial system.

Peter added: “I think this fits particularly well with our commitment to being a civic university in its widest sense – working closely and strategically with local partners and communities but always connected to the global issues that will define the coming decade.”

Peter will be officially presented to the Forum at the WBAF World Congress in Istanbul in 2021, taking his seat along representatives from 95 other countries.

Latest news


Mock interview scheme web

Games studios help Staffordshire students build career confidence

Top games companies have hosted more than 300 mock interviews to help students at University of Staffordshire prepare for their future careers

TDAs web

Apprentices help tackle maths teacher shortage through new degree route

A new degree apprenticeship is helping to address the national shortage of maths teachers by offering a paid, debt-free route into the profession

A virtual recreation of accommodation blocks surrounded by greenery

Virtual Fortnite campus offers exclusive look at university’s new Student Village

Gamers can now virtually explore University of Staffordshire’s new Student Village – before it opens this Autumn

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021