BU Vice-Chancellor to lead City University London

11 March 2010

Vice-Chancellor to leave BU to take the reins at City University London.

Professor Paul Curran, currently Vice-Chancellor of BU, has been appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor of City University London. He will take up his appointment in August 2010.

Professor Curran, a world-leading researcher in satellite remote sensing, joined BU in 2005 from the University of Southampton where he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Under Professor Curran’s leadership, BU has been completely repositioned within the sector. He has led a highly successful programme of change during which BU’s reputation, standing and popularity have risen dramatically. Bournemouth was the 4th most improved University in the 2008 UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) and has been the top New University in The Guardian University Guide for the past two years.

Paying tribute to Professor Curran, Alan Frost, Chairman of the University Board, said, “During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor at Bournemouth, Paul has brought about dramatic change and success. His leadership has been pivotal in raising the profile of the University nationally and internationally.

“Paul will be leaving us at the end of BU’s best ever year: we are the fastest rising University in The Times Good University Guide, were finalists in the Times Higher Education ‘University of the Year’ Award and the satisfaction of our students has never been higher. We will miss Paul, but we wish him every success at City University London.”

Professor Curran said, “It is a great honour and privilege to be Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University. Together, the staff, students and our many supporters have transformed BU and the University will gain in strength, stature and popularity in the years to come.

“Much of what I set out to do in 2005 will soon be completed. Earlier this week, therefore, I accepted City University London’s offer to join them as their next Vice-Chancellor. I will be leaving Bournemouth University with some sadness but in the knowledge that it is well-placed for the next stage of its development.”

The search for a successor to Professor Curran as Vice-Chancellor will take place during the coming months.