Julia Buckingham to be next Universities UK president
- ️Fri Mar 15 2019
Brunel University London vice-chancellor to take role at potentially crucial time for English universities
Julia Buckingham, vice-chancellor of Brunel University London, has been elected the next president of Universities UK.
She will succeed Dame Janet Beer, the University of Liverpool’s vice-chancellor, from 1 August 2019, becoming the third successive woman to hold the post – which, until 2015, had only ever been held by men. Presidents of UUK – one of two representative groups for the sector alongside GuildHE, with a key remit to represent universities in talks with the government – serve for two years. Presidents are elected by member vice-chancellors.
Professor Buckingham will take the post at a key time for English universities in particular – as the government could be forming or finalising its response to the post-18 education review report in late summer.
Professor Buckingham has been vice-chancellor of Brunel since 2012, previously holding senior leadership positions at Imperial College London and Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, and has served on the UUK board since 2014.
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As an undergraduate, she read read zoology at the University of Sheffield, worked briefly in the pharmaceutical industry, then studied for a PhD in pharmacology at the University of London.
Alistair Jarvis, UUK chief executive, said: “Julia is widely respected across the sector as a successful leader and effective champion of gender equality, research and student mental health issues. The experience and expertise she brings from a background which combines industry and academia will be invaluable as she leads our university sector.”
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Professor Buckingham said: “In the current climate of uncertainty and unprecedented change, universities – whatever their specialism, mission or geography – are in a position to make a huge difference to the country, to the economy and to individuals’ lives.
“We are at the centre of the most important issues: educating the workforce and addressing the skills gap; strengthening our research base and driving innovation and entrepreneurism.
“We are a force for good, tackling issues right at the heart of our society such as social mobility, inclusivity, mental health and well-being; and ensuring that UK higher education remains at the forefront globally.”
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