In this role, Professor Michael Hanna, an internationally renowned clinical neurologist and researcher, will lead the development and implementation of key aspects of UCL’s whole-university strategy for health. This strategy reflects the reality that health research, innovation and education at UCL now extend far beyond the traditional biomedical faculties and are embedded across the university.

Working closely with Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, Vice-Provost (Health), and colleagues across all UCL faculties, the new Pro-Vice-Provost (Clinical) will help drive multidisciplinary approaches across UCL and its health partners.

The role will focus on bringing together UCL’s broad health strengths to address emerging opportunities, strengthen existing partnerships, build capacity for new collaborations and enhance UCL’s national and global influence and impact.

Professor Hanna brings to the role extensive health leadership experience spanning the clinical, academic and charity sectors.

He has served as Director of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology for 15 years from 2011 to 2026 and played a central role in the development and delivery of the new Centre for Translational Neuroscience at Grays Inn Road, which is due to open in 2028.

Previously, he served as Divisional Clinical Director of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals (UCLH) NHS Foundation Trust, from 2007 to 2011.

He has led national and international strategic research partnerships including the UCL MRC Centre for Translational Research in Neuromuscular Diseases from 2008 to 2020 and the current MRC-funded International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases linking 16 centres across Europe, Africa, India and Brazil.

Clinically active, he also leads two nationally commissioned NHS services for neuromuscular diseases at UCLH NHS Foundation Trust. He is Chair of the Board of Trustees of Muscular Dystrophy UK, and a Fellow, Officer and Council Member of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

Welcoming the appointment, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, Vice-Provost (Health), said:

“Professor Hanna brings exceptional experience and leadership across clinical medicine, research and higher education. His longstanding track record of delivering major institutional, clinical and strategic initiatives makes him uniquely placed to help shape and implement UCL’s ambitious whole-university health strategy. 

It is increasingly clear that, to achieve maximum impact, health-related activity must be approached as a university-wide endeavour, bringing together expertise from across disciplines and sectors. I am delighted that Professor Hanna will be joining the Office of the Vice-Provost (Health) to help lead this important agenda.”

Professor Hanna said:

“I am honoured to take on the role of Pro-Vice-Provost (Clinical). It has been a huge privilege to support all my colleagues in delivering major world-leading translational research progress at the Institute of Neurology over the last 15 years. 

I now look forward to working with colleagues across the university, NHS partners, industry and international collaborators to advance world-leading translational research and education; delivering impact that improves national and global health, while also contributing to economic growth.”

Professor Hanna will take up the role on a part-time basis from 1 September 2026, increasing to the full role from January 2027.

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