University welcomes new Vice-Chancellor
Professor Don Nutbeam has taken up his position as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton this week (Thursday 1 October).
A world-renowned expert in public health, Professor Nutbeam was previously Academic Provost at the University of Sydney.
A Southampton alumnus, Professor Nutbeam has returned to the UK to lead the University at which he completed his postgraduate education in the 1980s. He is the ninth Vice-Chancellor to hold this role since the University was granted its Royal Charter in 1952.
Professor Don Nutbeam's career has involved senior positions in universities, government, health services and an independent research institute. Between 2000 and 2003 he was Head of Public Health in the UK's Department of Health, leading policy development within the Department and across government on a range of public health challenges.
He holds dual British and Australian nationality and is married with two children.
His research career, which spans 30 years, has included public health intervention research in schools and communities, as well as studies of health literacy and adolescent health behaviour.
More recently, he has combined his academic and policy experience to examine the uses of evidence in policy-making. Professor Nutbeam is the author of over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has written two popular public health text books. He has also worked as an advisor and consultant for the World Health Organisation over a 20-year period and as consultant and team leader in projects for the World Bank.
Commenting on his new role Professor Nutbeam said: "I feel very privileged to be returning as Vice-Chancellor to the University where I completed my postgraduate education.
"Southampton is a world-class university and I admire and respect the successes that the University has enjoyed under the leadership of Sir William Wakeham. Building on this foundation, I look forward to working with the many highly talented staff and students to achieve continued improvements in the quality, relevance and impact of our teaching and research."
Notes for editors
Professor Nutbeam's biography
Between 1990 and 2000, Professor Nutbeam was Professor of Public Health, Associate Dean of Medicine and Head of the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney.
From 1985 to 1990, he was a co-founder and Research Director of an independent research program - the Welsh Heart Program.
1988 to 1990, he was Director of Research and Policy Development for the government agency - Health Promotion Authority for Wales.
1988 PhD, University of Southampton
1983 MA (Health Education), University of Southampton
1978 BEd (Hons), King Alfred's College, Winchester (degree awarded by the University of Southampton)
2003 Elected Fellow, Faculty of Public Health, Royal College of Physicians