Manchester medic named next Queen’s University Belfast v-c

Ian Greer has been announced as the next vice-chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast.

Professor Greer, currently vice-president of the University of Manchester, succeeds Patrick Johnston, who died suddenly in June last year.

An expert in medical disorders in pregnancy and women’s vascular health, Professor Greer began his academic career at the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Having risen to become Regius professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Glasgow, he became dean of the Hull York Medical School in 2007 before being appointed, in 2010, pro vice-chancellor of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool and, from 2013, provost for research.

In 2015, he joined Manchester, where he also serves as dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.

Professor Greer said it was a “great honour and privilege” to be selected as the 13th vice-chancellor of Queen’s, adding that he looked forward to building on the achievements of previous vice-chancellors, “including, in particular, Patrick Johnston, a former colleague and fellow clinician”.

“Queen’s has an enviable reputation for research, education and innovation and plays a major leadership role in the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland,” Professor Greer said. “I very much look forward to committing my energy, drive and enthusiasm to leading the further development of Queen’s as a world-class global university with regional impact.”

Queen’s, which is currently led by acting vice-chancellor James McElnay, said that Professor Greer would join the university at the start of August.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com