New University of Cambridge vice-chancellor unveiled

A Canadian expert in international law has been nominated as the next vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge.

Stephen Toope, who is currently the director of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto, will take up the post in October 2017 subject to his appointment being approved by Cambridge's governing body, the Regent House.

His appointment follows an international search for a new vice-chancellor to take over from Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, who has served as head of the university – fourth in the latest edition of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings – for seven years.

Sir Leszek said that the university was “delighted to be welcoming a distinguished leader with such an outstanding record as a scholar and educator to lead Cambridge”.

Professor Toope – who is no stranger to the university, having completed a PhD at Trinity College, Cambridge in 1987 – works in the fields of human rights, international dispute resolution and international environmental law. He has degrees in common law and civil law and served on the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances from 2002 to 2007.

He has previously held the position of vice-chancellor at the University of British Columbia.

“I am thrilled to be returning to this great university. I look forward to working with staff and students in the pursuit of academic excellence and tremendous international engagement – the very mark of Cambridge,” he said.

Ian White, master of Jesus College, headed the search for the university’s new vice-chancellor. “Professor Toope has impeccable academic credentials, a longstanding involvement with higher education, strong leadership experience and an excellent research background,” he said.

holly.else@tesglobal.com