SUSSEX University has appointed Professor Sasha Roseneil as its first female vice-chancellor.

A world-renowned disciplinary social scientist, Prof Roseneil currently serves as pro-provost for equality and inclusion and dean of the faculty of social and historical sciences at UCL and will become the university's ninth Vice-Chancellor in its history when she takes office this summer.

Professor David Maguire will continue as interim vice-chancellor until she takes up her post in August.

Prof Roseneil said: "During its first 60 years, Sussex has established itself as one of the most innovative, progressive, and dynamic universities in the world.

"Sussex’s future is extremely bright and I am hugely honoured to be appointed as its next vice-chancellor.

"I will focus the energy and resources of the University on realising the full potential of its ground-breaking research, thought leadership and transformational education in the service of the common good.

"The world is currently facing enormous challenges, particularly relating to environmental sustainability and intensified inequalities, and Sussex has a vital contribution to make in tackling these problems and shaping a better future for all."

Over more than three decades as an academic, Prof Roseneil has developed an international reputation for her pioneering research on gender, sexuality and intimate life, and on citizenship, social movements, and social change.

At UCL, she led the development of the university's teaching concordat, which improved working conditions, contracts and career opportunities for teaching staff.

Dame Denise Holt, the chairwoman of the university's governing body - who led the recruitment process, congratulated Professor Roseneil on her appointment.

She said: "After an extremely thorough and competitive recruitment process, we are convinced that Professor Roseneil is the right person to lead this exciting new phase in the University’s development.

"She is hugely respected as a globally-influential researcher, valued colleague, and champion of the transformative power of education.

“Her expertise and influence will be invaluable in harnessing our shared values to create a better university for a better world."

Prof Roseneil said that students will be at the heart of her leadership at Sussex and said that she aims to "ensure that we attract a diverse body of students with the potential to benefit from a Sussex education", as well as offer an "inspirational, life-changing, challenging and supportive education that equips them to flourish beyond university".

She follows in the footsteps of historian Asa Briggs, nuclear physicist Sir Denys Wilkinson and diplomat Sir Leslie Fielding.

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