The University of Galway has appointed Professor David J Burn as its 14th president.
He will succeed Prof Peter McHugh who has held the position on an interim basis since September 2024.
Prof Burn’s term will begin next month. He was the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University in the UK.
The university said in a statement that Prof Burn led "transformative change initiatives to restructure faculty, accelerate research performance, advance equality, diversity and inclusion and drive internationalisation".
He is also Professor of Movement Disorders Neurology and Honorary Consultant Neurologist for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust.
Prof Burn said he was "delighted and honoured" to take up the position.
"Although born and bred in the northeast of England, I have had a strong personal connection to Ireland for over 35 years and am therefore no stranger to its rich heritage and vibrant culture.
"I look forward to working with all staff and students to help University of Galway further realise its incredible potential and am excited about what we can achieve together," he said.
Chair of the university’s governing authority Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said Prof Burn will bring "a wealth of experience" with him to the role.
She said that he will also present "a compelling vision to inspire University of Galway’s staff and students to take this remarkable University to new heights".
"With a track record of leadership and achievement internationally, Prof Burn brings both the necessary experience and vision to this role and I look forward to working with him as we begin a new chapter in the university’s journey," she said.
Dr Geoghegan-Quinn added: "I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Interim President, Professor Peter McHugh, for his steady leadership of the University over the last year and to wish him well in his future endeavours."
