Sir Alan Langlands to head research partnership

The Vice-Chancellor, Sir Alan Langlands, has been appointed as the new Chair of the N8 Research Partnership.

Sir Alan will officially take up his position as Chair of the N8 Research Partnership Board on 14 February 2014. 

His responsibilities will include developing new strategic research collaborations to support innovation and economic growth across the North of England, as well as providing leadership to the N8 Research Partnership Board and Pro-Vice-Chancellors Group. He will also engage with key stakeholders including the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) - where Alan was Chief Executive prior to taking up his appointment at Leeds.

Alan takes over the role from Professor Chris Brink, Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, who has been Chair of the N8 since 2012.

Sir Alan said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the next Chair of the N8 Research Partnership.  The N8 has developed an enviable reputation through its excellent track record in creating research collaborations between academic researchers, business and public sector partners to drive innovation and economic growth. 

“I would like to thank Chris Brink and pay tribute to his achievements as Chair of the N8.  Together with the Pro-Vice-Chancellors group, Chris has helped the N8 to go from strength to strength, developing strategic relationships with key partners in an increasingly diverse range of areas including – most recently – policing, industrial biotechnology and the impact of the arts and humanities.  I am very excited to have the opportunity to build on this and look forward to contributing to the continued success and sustainability of the N8.”

Sarah Jackson, Director of the N8 Research Partnership, added: “I am absolutely delighted at Alan’s appointment and thrilled to be working with him as we move the N8 Research Partnership forward.  This is a very exciting time for us as we continue to pioneer new ways of working together and look to the future for big opportunities for collaborating in research.  Alan’s strategic prowess, leadership and unrivalled knowledge of the HE sector will play a pivotal role in this work.”

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