Professor Malcolm Press CBE, Vice Chancellor of Manchester
Metropolitan University, has been elected as the next President
of Universities UK (UUK).
The role runs for two academic years from 1 August 2025 and is
elected through a ballot of UUK's 141
members.
Professor Press will succeed the current President, Professor
Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the
University of St Andrews, who was appointed in 2023. During
that time, Professor Mapstone has overseen UUK's Blueprint for the
future of the sector, the safeguarding of the graduate visa route
and the building of a strong relationship with the new
government.
Before his appointment as Vice Chancellor at Manchester
Metropolitan in 2015, Professor Press served as Pro Vice
Chancellor of Research and Knowledge Transfer at the University
of Birmingham and served as President of the British Ecological
Society from 2007 to 2009. His academic background is in ecology,
with a focus on rainforests, sustainable agriculture and climate
change.
Professor Press said:
“I am incredibly honoured to be elected as President of
Universities UK and to have the opportunity to represent our
world-leading higher education sector at such a crucial time.
“Universities play a fundamental role in shaping the future -
driving economic prosperity, educating millions of students and
producing research that tackles the grand challenges of our time.
Over the past six months, I have seen first-hand the challenges
and opportunities facing our universities and I am committed to
ensuring that we continue to thrive.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across the sector,
government and industry to champion the incredible work
universities do and to building a strong and sustainable future
for higher education.”
Chief Executive of Universities UK, Vivienne Stern MBE,
said of the appointment:
“Universities are one of the things the UK can be really proud
of. We need to keep it that way. Given all of the pressures our
great universities face, and the role they must play in
strengthening our economy, exceptional leadership of the sector
has never been more important. We need a great relationship with
Governments in all four nations, but we also need sector-led
change. Malcolm will be essential to us achieving that.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Professor Malcolm Press CBE will assume the role of UUK
President on 1 August 2025 and his term will run until 31
July 2027.
- Current President Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE remains in
position until 31 July 2025.
- Further information on Professor Press is available
at Universities
UK and Manchester Metropolitan
University.
- The President is elected from and by the membership of
Universities UK for two academic years and is only eligible for
re-election by special resolution. The president chairs all
Universities UK Members' Meetings, the UK Board and Board
Advisory Committee meetings.
