Member Article

New chair for major northern university partnership

A major partnership organisation that joins academic research across eight northern universities has appointed a new chair.

Sir Alan Langlands, vice chancellor of the University of Leeds will chair the N8 Research Partnership that leads Newcastle, Durham, York, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool and Lancaster.

The organisation aims to maximise the impact of research for economic growth purposes.

Sir Alan will develop research collaborations across the North of England and will engage with key stakeholders including the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), the BIS and the Higher Educations Funding Council for England (HEFCE) - where Alan was previously chief executive.

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”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .