Professor Andy Schofield has been announced as the new principal of the University of Glasgow.
It was announced in April that the incumbent, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, would be stepping down in 2025 after opting not to seek a further term.
In a letter to staff and students, Sir Anton said: "By next year, I will have served 16 years as Principal, and I will have served over 20 years in University senior management.
"I feel this is the right time to finally step back from my current role, and to enable a new Principal to come forward to lead our institution through the next chapter.
"This is an opportune time to hand over the leadership of the University.
"We are at the end of a strategic planning cycle, and we have completed the first phase of our campus development, backed by a highly successful fundraising campaign.
"The University is in a very good place at present, both academically and financially. This is your achievement."
On Thursday it was announced that Professor Schofield, who is currently vice-chancellor of the University of Lancaster will be the new principal, effective from 1 September 2025.
He has an academic background in theoretical condensed matter physics, specialising in correlated electrons. He studied Natural Sciences followed by a PhD at the University of Cambridge where he was appointed to a Research Fellowship in 1992. He moved to the United States of America in 1994 working at Rutgers University for two years before returning to Cambridge.
Professor Schofield said: “It is a great honour to have been appointed as the next Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow.
"Glasgow is an impressive, world-changing institution which has made huge strides under Sir Anton’s leadership.
"I very much look forward to building on his legacy and working with a brilliant set of colleagues to take the University forward.”
The appointment was made following an open and competitive recruitment process, supported by Saxton Bampfylde, after Professor Sir Anton announced in April he would step down from the role in 2025.
There will be a four-week handover period when Professor Schofield joins the University.
University of Glasgow’s Convener of Court, Gavin Stewart, said: “I am delighted Professor Schofield will be joining the University as its 51st Principal and Vice-Chancellor. Professor Schofield has an exceptional academic record, along with the strategic vision and extensive leadership experience required to open the next successful chapter in our long and distinguished history.
“As the University of Glasgow approaches its 575th anniversary, I know everyone across our community will welcome Andy and will work with him to further raise our global ambitions and reputation.
“I would also like to put on record the Court’s gratitude and appreciation to Sir Anton for leading the University over the past 15 years to its current strong position. I look forward to continuing to work with him over the next 12 months.”
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