A Derry man has become the 12th President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast.
Professor Patrick Johnston, from the Waterside, has a very distinguished career as Dean of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s and has the distinction of being one of the world’s foremost experts in cancer research.
Speaking about his new role, Professor Johnston said he was “both honoured and privileged” to be leading the Belfast university.
He added: “Together we are about to embark upon a journey in which it is my goal for Queen’s to become an international powerhouse in higher education. This will not only create significant benefits for Queen’s but for every single citizen in Northern Ireland.
“This journey will not be easy, but it is one that I am fully committed to, and by working alongside our exceptional staff and students and with the support of our stakeholders, we will achieve our objectives.”
He added: “Queen’s is Northern Ireland’s university. It is a university that is open and accessible to everyone. It is a university which contributes to every part of our society: economically, culturally, politically and socially.
“And it is a university that consistently delivers a world-class education and research experience. Let’s work together for the common good of everyone in our society.”
Married with four grown-up sons, has led the development of a new international Medical School at Queen’s and a world-leading Institute of Health Sciences since 2007.
He is also former director of the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen’s.
In 2012, he was recognised for excellence in medical science when he was elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
In the same year, he also received a Diamond Jubilee Queen’s Anniversary Prize for the University’s leadership of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre and its achievement in reducing cancer mortality rates in Northern Ireland over the last decade.
Among those to congratulate Prof Johnston has been Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan
Mr Durkan, also a past pupil of St Columb’s College in Derry, said: “Patrick is a proven leader who brings drive, inspiration and effective collaboration to all his work.”
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