UCL welcomes new Provost

UCL today appointed Professor Malcolm Grant as the new Provost and President of UCL (University College London).

Currently Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Grant will become UCL's Provost on 1 October 2003.

Lord Young, Chair of UCL Council, said today:

"Higher education in Britain is experiencing a period of great change and we are ready to accept the challenge this will present to UCL. Professor Malcolm Grant will not only lead us into this new era but also ensure that UCL continues its radical tradition of refusing to let convention inhibit progress. I warmly welcome the appointment of Professor Grant and look forward to working closely with him in the future."

Born and educated in New Zealand, Professor Grant is Professor of Land Economy and a Fellow of Clare College at the University of Cambridge. He was previously Professor of Law and Vice-Dean at the Faculty of Laws at UCL (1986-1991). Professor Grant was awarded the CBE in 2003 for his services to planning law and local government.

An environmental lawyer and barrister (Middle Temple), Professor Grant is also Chair of the Agriculture & Environment Biotechnology Commission. The commission provides strategic advice to the government on the implications of biotechnology, including genetic modification, for agriculture and the environment. He is also Chair of the UK Independent Steering Board for the Public Debate on GM, Deputy Chair of the Standards Committee of the Greater London Authority, and Chair of the Independent Panel on Councillors' Allowances in London.

Following the announcement of his appointment Professor Grant said:

"I am delighted to be returning to UCL, and honoured to have been invited to lead such an outstanding university at this critical point in its history. UCL is an exceptional institution, with a radical tradition and a distinctive character. It competes with huge success at the highest international levels. It is creative and effective in the way it runs, and well-equipped to respond to the many difficult challenges facing UK universities in the coming years."