The Treasurer provides strategic oversight of the financial affairs of the Academy and is responsible for ensuring that there are procedures in place for proper financial and risk control.
The role was previously held by Professor Ed Bullmore FMedSci who steps down having served five years in office. Professor Hanna will take office as Treasurer with effect from the 5 December 2023 and will hold the position for a four-year term.
As Treasurer, Professor Hanna will play a key role in developing Academy strategy and policy in line with the ambitions of our 10-year strategic plan. Key areas of focus include supporting with fundraising activities to develop and deliver more diversified sources of income and modernising 41 Portland Place in line with our commitment to decarbonisation and environmental sustainability.
Professor Hanna will also be a Trustee of the Academy and form part of the Academy Council. Working with the staff Finance team at the Academy and members of the Finance Committee, he will advise Council on the financial implications of the Academy’s strategic plans and guide Council in the approval of annual budgets.
On his appointment, Professor Michael Hanna FMedSci, said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed to this position in the Academy. I really enjoyed serving on Council previously and contributing to the development of our ambitious 10-year strategic plan. I believe the work of the Academy is more important than ever, especially in supporting the next generation of researchers and in promoting all aspects of health-related research to benefit patients. I am really looking forward to working with other the Officers, Fellows and all members of the great team at the Academy.”
Acting Academy President, Professor Paul Stewart FMedSci, added: “I wish to congratulate Professor Michael Hanna FMedSci on his new role as Treasurer. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise through his work as Director of the world leading UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, where he has been central to fundraising efforts for a new £281m state-of-the-art translational neuroscience centre of excellence that is opening in the 2024/25 academic year.
“Mike has made valuable contributions to the Academy since he was elected through his membership of Council. I look forward to working with him and other Officers to deliver our ambitions for the Academy, which include becoming more environmentally sustainable and diversifying our income to protect our independence and agility.
“I would also like to express my huge thanks to Professor Ed Bullmore FMedSci, who has served as Treasurer for the past five years. Ed expertly steered 41 Portland Place and the Academy through the pandemic and has brought a passion for our Net Zero ambitions. In addition to his role as Treasurer, he has played a crucial role in our mental health policy work, culminating in a Covid Mental Health report in 2021, and raised awareness of COVID-19 and mental health issues through his work with the media.”
Professor Alan Thompson, Dean of UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences, said: “Many congratulations to Mike for this important appointment. As Director of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, he has a wealth of expertise in developing strategy and policy, balancing budgets and leading major fundraising activities. Mike has been instrumental in driving forward the development of UCL’s new centre of excellence for translational neuroscience on Grays Inn Road, and he is an excellent choice to contribute to the delivery of the Academy’s future ambitions.”
Professor Hanna was elected to Academy Fellowship in 2019 and is familiar with Academy finances and governance having previously served as an Ordinary member of Council between 2020 and 2022.