The UK’s leading research universities have chosen University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Arthur to head their association. Professor Arthur is to take over chairmanship of the Russell Group from University College London Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malcolm Grant, on 1 September 2009.
Professor Arthur said he was thrilled to be selected by his peers to represent them. “On a personal level, this is a tremendous honour,” he said. “We face the most turbulent period in higher education for some time – with a recession looming, a general election and a fees review– so it’s particular pleasing to be entrusted with navigating the Russell Group through these choppy waters.”
Director General of the Russell Group, Dr Wendy Piatt, said: “Professor Arthur has made an exceptional contribution to higher education and I have no doubt that his leadership will be a tremendous asset. I am greatly looking forward to working with him to help demonstrate how our world class universities continue to make a huge contribution to the UK’s economy and society”
Formed in 1994, the Russell Group has been led by the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham and University College London; Michael Arthur is its first chair from a northern university. It provides thought leadership and strategic direction for the UK’s 20 major international universities, developing policy on a wide range of issues relating to higher education underpinned by a robust evidence base and a commitment to civic responsibility, improving life chances, raising aspirations and contributing to economic prosperity and innovation.
Professor Arthur became Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds in September 2004 following a distinguished career in medical research and leadership at the University of Southampton. He has galvanised the institution with a strategic focus on world-class excellence, and enjoyed steady improvements in performance across research and learning and teaching.
Professor Arthur has a significant national profile as chair of the steering group for the National Student Survey (2005-8), on the board of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (2008-) and as a member of the Department of Children, Schools and Families’ expert advisory group on the 14 – 19 reforms and a US/UK Fulbright commissioner. He was invited to join the Medical Research Council in November 2008. Professor Arthur is also on the boards of Opera North and Yorkshire Forward.
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For more information, interviews or photographs, please contact University of Leeds director of media relations, Vanessa Bridge on 0113 343 4030 v.bridge@leeds.ac.uk
For Russell Group media enquiries please contact Daniel O’Connor on 020 7872 5805 or media@russellgroup.ac.uk
Source: Leeds University