A leading neuroscientist who attended a local comprehensive school is set to become the next vice-chancellor of Oxford University.
Prof. Irene Stacey has been Director of Merton College, Oxford since 2019.
She will succeed outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof. Louise Richardson next year.
Prof Stacey, a former pupil at Gosford Hill School in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, said she was “honoured” to be nominated.
She thanked colleagues for “trusting me to lead such a great and world-leading academic institution.”
“Recent years have reminded us all of the vital role Oxford plays, along with other leading UK universities, in addressing global societal challenges,” said Prof Stacey.
“That’s why I’m very committed to increasing Oxford’s impact by supporting its pioneering discovery research, excellence in teaching and its quest to create a global powerhouse of innovation.”
She also said the university and its colleges have made “significant strides” toward becoming a “more diverse community.”
“Oxford’s commitment to attracting the very best students, regardless of their background, will remain unwavering,” she added.
She was named a CBE for medical research services this year and previously worked at Harvard University.
Prof Stacey, who will become the 273rd Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Merton College.
Lord Patten of Barnes, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said Prof Stacey’s career was “an extraordinary story of personal achievement, social mobility and academic excellence”.
“I am confident that she will successfully build on the excellence of Louise Richardson and lead Oxford in tackling the great challenges that lie ahead,” he said.
Prof. Richardson, who will become president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York in January 2023, said she was “delighted” with Prof. Stacey’s nomination.
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