Message from the Dean

11 May 2018

Latest news from Ian Greer

Last week I chaired a meeting of the Faculty Promotions Committee to review nominations received from our three Schools for 2017-2018 academic promotions.  This is a rigorous process, approved by the Board of Governors, that ensures consistent application across the University; and needless to say, the committee had a challenging time discussing the merits of many outstanding applications. The outcome of the review has already been confirmed with some applicants and we hope to be in a position to confirm all promotions towards the end of the summer.

This week I met with Baroness Dido Harding, Chair of NHS Improvement, along with the President, to discuss the risks and opportunities presented by the devolution of health and social care in Manchester.  The meeting also gave us the opportunity to highlight the University’s ongoing concerns about the sustainability of research funding. This is a significant issue for our Faculty in particular, where research funding is disproportionately dependant on support from medical and health charities.

I cannot impress enough upon staff the urgent need for everyone who uses a computer to complete the online data protection training before 25 May when new GDPR regulations come into force. The training is mandatory and there may well be an issue with use of University IT systems if you do not comply. If you are a manager, please would you help me to convey this message to members of your teams. Thank you. There are only two weeks left to complete the training and 27% of FBMH staff have yet to do this.

We should all be delighted by the news of our multiple successes in the University’s Making a Difference Awards. The Faculty also  featured strongly in the Annual Volunteer of the Year Awards, where Dr Sean Pert and medical student Charlotte Auty, were named staff and student Volunteer of the Year respectively. Congratulations to all our winners and to those who demonstrate each day the drive, determination and commitment to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Finally, I’d like to offer further congratulations to a trio of academic colleagues who have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to research – Professor Richard Marais, Director of the CRUK Manchester Institute who has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society; Professor Jørgen Vestbo who has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences for his research into respiratory medicine; and Professor Lydia Tabernero, who has been awarded the Lord Alliance Prize for her research into breast cancer.

Ian Greer

Vice-President and Dean