Dundee appoints Professor Gillespie

The University of Dundee has appointed Professor Iain Gillespie as principal and vicechancellor.

Currently pro-vice chancellor, research and enterprise, at the University of Leicester, he will take up his post in January next year.

His predecessor Professor Andrew Atherton stood down after under a year in the post amid an investigation into alleged non-payment of rent.

Edinburgh-born academic Prof Gillespie was previously director of science and innovation at the Natural Environment Research Council and worked for 10 years at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

He worked for more than a decade in UK central government, with sciencebased roles in the Cabinet Office and other departments.

Ronnie Bowie, chair of Court, the University of Dundee’s governing body, said Mr Gillespie would bring “strong leadership and vision”.

He thanked the interim principal and vice-chancellor Professor David Maguire for leading the university with “a quiet, confident assurance”.

Mr Maguire will continue in post until the end of the year.

Mr Gillespie commented: “Dundee is an incredible university at the heart of an incredible city.

“Its students and staff lead the world insomuch and show us what a truly great university, firmly anchored in its community, can achieve.”