University of Southampton announces new senior appointment

The new Dean of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at the University of Southampton will be Professor David Williams.

Professor Williams is currently Vice Principal: Strategic Development at Queen Mary, University of London. It is anticipated he will take up his new role in November 2004.

Having trained as a dentist at the University of London and held a number of senior academic posts in the School of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary, including Dean of the Dental School and Deputy Warden, Professor Williams became Vice Principal in 2001.

He has been a member of the Medical Research Council Advisory Board and MRC expert team of research training referees. He also served on the General Dental Council from 1997-2003 and was President of the British Society for Dental Research 2002-2004. The International Association for Dental Research gave him a Distinguished Scientist award in 1996.

"Southampton is already one of the best performing and most admired universities in the UK, but there is always scope to do more and I look forward to making a strong contribution to the University's future success," commented Professor Williams.

"The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences has some outstanding staff, with a strong commitment to achieve excellence in research, education and the delivery of clinical care. I look forward to leading this team."

University of Southampton Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Wakeham said, "I am delighted Professor Williams has agreed to be Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences. He brings enormous experience of leadership to both the Faculty and the University."