Dr Michael Spence to serve for a second term as UCL’s President & Provost

At its meeting today (Monday December 9) the University’s Council unanimously approved an extension of the tenure of the University’s Provost & President, Dr Michael Spence AC, to August 2031.

This decision is a testament to Dr Spence’s exemplary leadership since joining the University and his vision for the future of UCL.

Dr Spence joined UCL as President & Provost in January 2021. He took the role during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the institution through the complexities of reopening and transitioning back to in-person learning following the national lockdowns. Since joining he has led a year-long university-wide consultation to develop the UCL Strategic Plan 2022-27, setting out UCL’s priorities and ambitions for that period, and overseen the relaunch of UCL’s Grand Challenges programme, supporting our academic community to work together on cross-cutting, multidisciplinary solutions to the world’s most complex issues. During a challenging time for the HE sector, and a wider cost of living crisis, his focus on financial sustainability has meant that UCL has been able to invest £110.2 million in staff remuneration, to attract and retain world-class talent.

During his tenure UCL’s reputation as an academic powerhouse has grown, with accolades including UCL being ranked second in the UK for research power in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework and being awarded Sunday Times University of the Year 2024.

He has also overseen the opening of UCL East, UCL’s major new campus in East London, building key strategic relationships with local government, businesses and community organisations in that area. Furthermore, he has played a direct role in supporting an increase in philanthropic gifts to UCL, with £235.6 million raised in 2023-24. He has been instrumental in shaping and developing the forthcoming fundraising and engagement campaign through his work with UCL's philanthropic community.

As a long-standing advocate of universities as crucibles for debate and dialogue, he shown sector wide leadership of UCL’s influential ‘Disagreeing Well’ campaign, which has seen over a thousand people attend public events exploring the skill of constructive debate around challenging issues alongside a raft of other initiatives to give the UCL community the opportunity to engage with this important work.

UCL’s Provosts are normally appointed for an initial duration of between three and five years, after which Council, UCL’s governing body, decides whether to extend the appointment for a further term.

The Chair of Council, Victor Chu, said of Council’s reappointment of Dr Spence that:

“I am delighted that Dr Spence will be leading UCL for a second term. He has demonstrated exemplary leadership which I know will continue at this important time for the sector and as we head towards our bicentennial year.

One of the hallmarks of Dr Spence’s tenure has been his ability to foster a culture of open debate and intellectual rigor. He has consistently emphasized the importance of “disagreeing well” – engaging in respectful, constructive disagreement that drives innovation and strengthens the university community. This approach has not only helped UCL navigate complex challenges but has also contributed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and academic discourse can thrive.

As we look toward the next phase of UCL’s development, I am confident that Dr Spence will continue to lead with thoughtfulness, integrity, and a commitment to fostering a dynamic, inclusive academic environment.  

 His leadership is vital as UCL continues to advance its mission of global excellence in research, education, and societal impact.”

Dr Michael Spence said:

“I am delighted to be continuing as UCL’s President & Provost and want to thank Council for their support and endorsement.

The last four years have been incredibly eventful, with a number of challenges to face as well as wonderful achievements to celebrate together. I knew when I joined UCL that it was a remarkable community of brilliant and dedicated individuals, and my admiration and pride in this wonderful institution has only grown as this has been proven time and time again – for example by our double Nobel Prize win this year, and being awarded University of the Year 2024.

I said then, and it holds true today, that my mission was to listen to our staff and students and work with them to build on UCL’s existing successes. I believe that we’ve made a great start on this, and the many conversations I’ve had with people from across UCL – some tough, some uplifting, all interesting and useful – have made me confident that we’re heading in the right direction. I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with all of you over the coming years as we proceed with implementing the Strategic Plan, and especially as we approach UCL’s Bicentennial in 2026.”