Institute of Child Health

UCL is pleased to announce that Professor Rosalind Smyth FMedSci, Professor of Paediatric Medicine, University of Liverpool, Executive Director Liverpool Health Partners and Director of NIHR Medicines for Children Research Network, has been appointed to the post of Director of the UCL Institute of Child Health in the Faculty of Population Health Sciences with effect from 1st October 2012.The Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences, Professor Graham Hart FMedSci, said: “I am delighted that we have secured the services of Professor Smyth, one of the UK’s foremost paediatric researchers and leaders, for this important position. The Institute of Child Health has thrived under the direction of Professor Andrew Copp for the past ten years. Having completed his term of office, we now welcome Ros Smyth as Andy’s successor, and I look forward to working with her in the Faculty of Population Health Sciences.” Professor Smyth said: “I am sad to leave friends and colleagues in Liverpool where I’ve worked for over 20 years. Being given the opportunity to lead the UCL Institute of Child Health is a great honour, and I am looking forward to building on the success of the Institute as Europe’s leading centre for paediatric research and teaching. Child health is a priority, nationally and internationally, and ICH, with its close relationship with Great Ormond Street Hospital, is at the forefront of innovative developments in this important field.”

Dr Jane Collins, Chief Executive Officer, Great Ormond Street Hospital Foundation Trust, also welcomed Professor Smyth. “The quality of care we provide at GOSH is helped significantly by our association with UCL ICH, with direct benefit to our young patients and their families. Professor Smyth has been very successful in directing the NIHR Medicines for Children Research Network, and so I know that she will lead ICH with the best interests of children and young people at the heart of her efforts.”

Finally, Professor Sir John Tooke, Vice Provost Health and Head of the UCL Medical School, and President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, offered a warm welcome to Professor Smyth. “I have huge admiration for what Professor Smyth has achieved. She brings a wealth of experience of making academic health partnerships thrive, as well as great scientific expertise. I have no doubt that under her leadership the Institute of Child Health will go from strength to strength.”