Review of Life Sciences and Cognate Disciplines

09 Jul 2015

The Board of Governors approves the recommendations and principles put forward by the Review Group asked to consider the future of life sciences and cognate disciplines at the University

The Board of Governors on Wednesday, 8 July 2015 approved the recommendations and principles, previously endorsed by Senate, put forward by the Review Group which the President and Vice-Chancellor asked to consider the future of life sciences and cognate disciplines at the University.

The key recommendation of this Review, which last month also received strong backing from Senate, is that the University should be reconstituted so that all academic activity is organised around three Faculties, moving different component parts of the current Faculty of Life Sciences into two other Faculties: the Faculty of Medical, Biological and Human Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering (working titles). You can find out more about this and other detailed recommendations at:  Life Sciences and cognate disciplines

The Board of Governors endorsed the strong view of the Review Group and Senate that this way forward offers the greatest potential for the University to achieve its aims to be in a leading global position across the life sciences. It creates the opportunity to achieve focus and concentration in key areas which have been previously fragmented.  Benefits will result from synergies and critical mass and also from the clear profile that could be gained. It will open up real opportunities for the investment in life sciences, which is a critical area of scientific endeavour with significant and broad societal value.

The transition will start on 1 August 2015 to limit the period of uncertainty for staff.  Proposals of structures and change of names of Faculties and any Schools will be considered by Senate in November 2015 with the new structures coming fully into operation by 1 August 2016.

 An appropriate overarching University leadership and management team will be constituted to coordinate the transition process across the three Faculties.

The Vice-Presidents and Deans of the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences and Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences will lead the process of forming new structures where appropriate, ensuring that there is appropriate involvement of staff in the Faculties of Medical and Human Sciences; Life Sciences and Engineering and Physical Sciences.

For the period leading up to 1 August 2016, an interim Faculty of Life Sciences management group led by the Vice-President and Dean of Life Sciences will oversee the ongoing business of the Faculty.