Expert group convened to support institution.
A team of experts from across academia, industry and local and
national government will be convened to advise on the future
success of the University of Dundee and its impact across the
city region.
Sir Alan Langlands, formerly Chief Executive of the Higher
Education Funding Council for England and the NHS in England,
will chair the University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce.
Sir Alan was also Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University
of Dundee and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds.
The group will meet for the first time this month to develop
recommendations which will support the future of the University
and its role in the wider city region. The Taskforce will focus
on key issues linked to the recovery of the University, such as
its teaching offering and its research strengths in key fields
such as the life sciences.
It will include representation from the University, Dundee City
Council, business, trades unions, local further and higher
education institutions and the Scottish Government.
Education Secretary said:
“We are establishing this Taskforce to ensure the University of
Dundee has all the important advice and expertise needed to
recover and build a strong, secure and sustainable future.
“The impact of the University's teaching and world-leading
research is profound, and its success is interwoven with the
success of the Dundee city region. Ministers are determined that
the institution - with a vibrant community of staff and students
at its heart - will thrive long into the future.
“We will draw on the expertise of the Taskforce to identify
credible solutions and do everything possible to protect the
interests of current and future students and staff. We will take
account of all potential sources of funding and support, and we
will continue to carefully consider any further asks of
Government.”
Sir Alan Langlands said:
“It is a privilege to chair the University of Dundee Strategic
Advisory Taskforce, and to advise Ministers, the University, the
Scottish Funding Council and the City on this important matter.
“These are very challenging times for a great many universities.
At its core Dundee is a great University in a great City,
transforming people's lives and life chances through education,
research and innovation, and contributing so much to the
economic, social and cultural life of the city and beyond.
The Scottish Government's commitment to ensuring its long term
future and impact, and protecting the interests of students and
staff provides a strong foundation for the work of the
Taskforce.”
Professor Shane O'Neill, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor of
the University of Dundee, said:
“We welcome the announcement of the Strategic Advisory Taskforce
and the appointment of Sir Alan Langlands as its Chair.
“Sir Alan of course has a longstanding connection to the
University of Dundee and a strong understanding of its importance
to the city, Scotland and the wider higher education and research
environment.
“We are committed to engaging fully with the Taskforce to ensure
the future success and sustainability of the University.”
Background
- The Scottish Government has provided additional support for
the universities sector this year totalling £25 million, on top
of the £1.1 billion in the 2025-26 budget for university teaching
and research.
- The Scottish Funding Council has already provided £22 million
to University of Dundee as support for liquidity, which is giving
them the space and time to work through a plan for financial
stability.
- In addition to the advisory Taskforce, the Deputy First
Minister is chairing a cross-Ministerial group to consider what
further action the Scottish Government may be able to take to
support the University as it continues to develop its Financial
Recovery Plan.
- The final membership of the Taskforce is currently being
confirmed by the chair and will be announced in due course.
- The Taskforce will advise the University, the Scottish
Funding Council, Ministers and the City region. The University
remains the legally responsible decision maker.
Sir Alan Langlands FRSE Hon FMedSci
Now semi-retired, Alan's career spanned five decades in the NHS
and universities. This included leadership roles in teaching
hospitals in Edinburgh and London and as the Chief Executive of
the NHS in England, Chief Executive of the Higher Education
Funding Council for England, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Dundee and Vice-Chancellor of the University of
Leeds.
He has served as the inaugural chair of UK Biobank, chair of the
Health Foundation, and is now the Chair of Trustees for Yorkshire
Cancer Research. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh
and an Honorary Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and
five Medical Royal Colleges, with honorary doctorates awarded by
a number of leading universities.”
