Sir Keith O’Nions has been appointed Chair-Designate of Council for the University of Nottingham, taking up the role from January 2020.

Sir Keith is a renowned scientist and former President and Rector of Imperial College London. His career includes roles as Director-General Science and Innovation, at the Department for Innovation and Universities and Skills, and Chief Scientific Advisor to the Ministry of Defence.

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham Professor Shearer West said: “I am delighted with Sir Keith’s appointment. He brings a wealth of expertise from his academic background, significant roles in government and his expertise in innovation and the application of research. I am sure his appointment will further enhance and support the University, and build from the impressive legacy our current Chair, John Mills, has established over more than 13 years of dedicated service for the University.”

The University’s Chair of Council is responsible for leading the University’s Council, a body of high profile and influential individuals, which makes key decisions and senior appointments, influences strategy, and acts as ambassadors for the University, helping it to fulfil its mission and delivering impact across the communities that the University is part of both locally and globally.

Sir Keith, who was Head of Earth Sciences and Professor of Physics and Chemistry Minerals at Oxford, is currently Chairman of Cambridge Enterprise Limited, a company responsible for supporting the commercialisation of the ideas that emerge from the University of Cambridge. He was knighted in 1999 for services to Earth Science.

Sir Keith O’Nions said: “I am delighted to accept the role for one of the country’s most prestigious universities. The University of Nottingham enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a global research-intensive institution with deep connections to the city and region it is proud to call home. ”

The current Chair of Council, John Mills, said: “I’m delighted that Sir Keith has accepted the appointment and look forward to working with him in continuing to develop Nottingham’s reputation as a leading global institution. It is a privilege to Chair our Council and work with inspiring colleagues to respond to the changing dynamics of the sector and increasing challenges and opportunities.”