Transcript:

 

Hello everyone,

I'm delighted to be joining Queen’s University Belfast as Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. This is a university with a proud history, a strong sense of civic mission, and a deep commitment to academic excellence. I want to take a moment to introduce myself and share a little about my role.

My career in higher education has taken me across the United Kingdom and beyond, with leadership roles at the University of Cambridge and the University of Sydney. My own academic background is in ancient history and archaeology, and I have always been passionate about the transformative power of education and research in shaping society and driving innovation.

I'm joining Queen’s at what is undoubtedly a challenging time, but also a time of great opportunity. The higher education sector is facing significant financial pressures and strategic challenges, but Queen’s is well positioned to navigate these and emerge even stronger. Our focus must be on ensuring excellence in teaching and research, supporting our students and staff, and identifying new opportunities for growth and impact.

As Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, my priority is to lead the academic mission of the university. This means working closely with colleagues across faculties and professional services to support world-class teaching, research, and innovation. I will also be playing a key role in delivering Strategy 2030, helping to shape Queen’s into a truly connected, collaborative, and future-focused institution.

Partnerships, both within the University and with external stakeholders, will be central to our success, and I'm excited about the opportunities to work across disciplines, build new alliances, and ensure Queen’s becomes a Connected University that continues to make a significant impact in Northern Ireland and beyond.

In the coming months, I look forward to meeting many of you, listening to your perspectives, and working together to shape the future of Queen’s. My focus will always be on supporting our academic community and ensuring that we continue to deliver excellence, drive innovation, and create real societal impact.

I'm excited to be part of Queen’s at this pivotal moment and to work alongside you all in the years ahead. Thank you for your warm welcome, and I look forward to meeting you all soon.