Professor Phil Baker to leave his 'home town' University of Leicester

Professor Phil Baker, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Enterprise (PVCRE), will be leaving the University of Leicester to take up a new role as Pro Vice-Chancellor Medicine and Health at the University of East Anglia.

Professor Baker joined the University in 2015 as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Life Sciences. During his time at Leicester he has overseen the strengthening of NHS-university partnerships and consequent enhancements in relevant research and educational endeavours, the new School of Allied Heath, the joint programme with Chongqing in China, the Centre of Environmental Health and Sustainability and the widening participation programme in Medicine and the more patient-focussed curriculum.

In 2021 he took on the role of PVCRE where he led the creation of Research Institutes, the development of a robust system of research planning and management across the institution, and championed an enhanced portfolio for nurturing and encouraging less senior investigators.

Professor Baker said: “I will be leaving the University at an exciting time in its history. Being born and bred in Leicester I have been delighted by the progress of my ‘home town’ university; both education and research metrics are at their zenith, and the institution has established a clear identity. I’ve loved my time in Leicester, and feel I am leaving research and enterprise in an amazing place.”

President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah said: “During his time here at Leicester Phil has contributed to many exciting developments in his role as Head of College of Life Sciences and PVC Research as well as a member of Executive Board. I would like to thank him for his contributions and support and wish him well in his new role.”

Professor Baker will take up his new role in February 2025 and arrangements to appoint a new Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Enterprise, will be announced in due course.