The University is pleased to announce that Professor Victor Gault has been appointed as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences.
As a member of the University’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Victor will provide leadership and support with the delivery of the wider University strategy.
Professor Gault is a Professor of Experimental Medicine and prior to this appointment, has been in the post of Associate Dean (Research & Innovation) since 2019.
As Executive Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Life and Health Sciences, Professor Gault will be the primary ambassador for the Faculty externally, and working closely with the life and health sciences sector, he will guide the development of the University’s teaching, research and knowledge-exchange activities.
Professor Gault will provide overarching leadership for the Faculty, guiding its portfolio development, advancing academic excellence in the Schools and Research Units, and driving major initiatives to enhance its reputation and performance.
He will also lead the development and delivery of campus growth plans, in line with the University’s Strategy, with a particular focus on expanding part-time, postgraduate taught and professional development provision.
In addition to shaping the Faculty’s vision, as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean (LHS), Victor’s role will involve representing the University across a range of external platforms, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders and engaging with international partners.
Commenting on this appointment, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Seawright, said:
“The Faculty of Life and Health Sciences is the largest Faculty in the University, spanning all campus locations. This is a critical role and I am confident that Professor Gault will deliver strong values led leadership that addresses the opportunities and challenges ahead.
“Victor has been outstanding as Associate Dean of Research and Innovation, and I know staff will warmly welcome his appointment following a rigorous external recruitment exercise.”
In addition to his academic leadership, Professor Gault has built a 20-year career in diabetes research, specialising in brain–gut peptides, with a particular emphasis on the function of incretin hormones in both normal physiology and disease.
In recognition of his research leadership, Professor Gault was appointed to the Unit of Assessment 3 sub-panel for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2021 and 2029.
Victor is a member of several professional societies / committees and was President of the Heads of University Centres of Biomedical Sciences (from 2022-2025).
More recently, Professor Gault has been leading as the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) on two City/Growth Deal projects - Centre for Food and Drug Discovery and the School of Medicine Teaching Block, which aim to drive inclusive economic growth, create jobs and invest in infrastructure, skills and innovation.
On his appointment, Professor Gault added:
“I am privileged to be appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, home to nearly 6,500 students and around 250 academic staff across eight diverse disciplines.
“This role offers an exciting opportunity to build on the Faculty’s strong foundations in teaching, research and innovation.
“Working in partnership with colleagues, students and external stakeholders, we will continue to shape the future of life and health sciences, creating knowledge and solutions that have a lasting impact.”
Professor Gault will take up the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences on 1 December 2025.
