Bristol appoints new vice-chancellor

A former president of Ireland’s largest university has been named the next vice-chancellor of the University of Bristol.

Hugh Brady, who finished a 10-year term as president and chief officer of University College Dublin in December 2013 , will take charge at Bristol in September following the retirement of Sir Eric Thomas.

Professor Brady, who is currently professor of medicine and healthcare strategy and resident emeritus at UCD, will become the English university’s 13th vice-chancellor.

Denis Burn, chair of Bristol’s university council, said Professor Brady was selected after a “rigorous and thorough appointment process which has understandably attracted a highly accomplished field of candidates from men and women worldwide.

“We have ensured that the appointment decision has been informed by the views of staff, students and alumni and I would like to acknowledge all those that have played a role throughout.”

He thanked Sir Eric, a former president of Universities UK, for his “outstanding leadership” since he took up the post in 2003.

“I am confident that Professor Brady will build upon our enviable position and I look forward to working closely with him.”

Professor Brady, an expert on diabetic kidney disease who has held fellowship and faculty positions at Harvard University and the University of Toronto as well as UCD, said he was excited to take over at Bristol, which he called a “global institution as well as a driving force for the economic and cultural capital of Bristol and surrounding region.”

jack.grove@tsleducation.com