Nancy Rothwell to stand down at University of Manchester

Nancy Rothwell, the boss of the University of Manchester is to stand down next year, the institution has confirmed.

Prof Dame Rothwell has been the university’s President and Vice-Chancellor since 2010, and will leave her post in summer 2024. She was the first woman to lead the university, which is the largest in the UK.

The search is on to replace Prof Dame Rothwell, who joined the institution in 1987. Her research initially focused on obesity, and gradually worked her way up the university’s hierarchy.

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“Nancy has been clear of her intention to step down from her role as President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester when her current contract comes to an end in summer 2024,” Philippa Hird, the chair of the university’s board of governors, said.

“Under her leadership, the University continues to develop as a world-leading centre of teaching and learning excellence, a research powerhouse, and is setting new standards for social responsibility. Nancy has also made an outstanding contribution to higher education through her sector and national roles.

“We expect the full search process to take at least the remainder of this calendar year. Nancy will continue to lead the University as President and Vice-Chancellor until summer 2024 with her customary drive, skill and rigour and I look forward to working with her over that time.”

Next year, the university celebrates its 200th anniversary — but in recent years, it has been hit by controversy. Last month, UoM Rent Strike protesters barricaded themselves inside key uni buildings — including the new engineering building and the John Owens offices,