Ian Greer appointed Vice-Chancellor at Queens University, Belfast

25 Jan 2018

Professor Ian Greer thanked for his visionary leadership at the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Professor Ian Greer, is to leave his role at the University of Manchester to become President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast.

In addition to his Faculty role, Professor Greer is a member of the University’s Senior Leadership Team, Director of the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), and Chair of the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA). His other roles include being Chair of the UK Regenerative Medicine Platform Board and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at the UK Antimicrobial Resistance Research & Development Centre.

Since joining the University of Manchester in 2015, Professor Greer has overseen the creation of a new Faculty from the former Faculties of Life Sciences and Medical and Human Sciences, a process designed to deliver a translational approach to the life sciences, ensuring smooth research pathways - from pure discovery science through to clinical application and patient care. As Director of MAHSC he has championed an integrated ‘one Manchester’ approach between the new Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health and the University’s NHS Partners.  This approach has not only capitalised on the unique opportunity of the devolution of the health and social care budget to Greater Manchester, but also underpinned major developments such as the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre award to Manchester. His leadership of the NHSA has directly led to major Government research investment in the North, not least the £20m Connected Health Cities Programme led from Manchester.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Ian and, while I am very sad to see him leave Manchester, I am very grateful for the visionary leadership he has displayed in ensuring that the university and his  Faculty are well placed to take advantage of the many opportunities that exist, such as Greater Manchester’s healthcare devolution. He has had a major positive impact on the University and on Greater Manchester and will be greatly missed.” 

Professor Greer said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Manchester and it has been a privilege to lead a Faculty which has such talented and dedicated staff and students. Greater Manchester and the University remain at the forefront of new ideas for the delivery of health and social care services in the UK and I look forward to seeing much continued success.”

Professor Greer will leave the University in August 2018 and the University will begin the search for his successor immediately.