New Dean of the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences appointed

Professor Aitken, currently Head of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow, will join York St John on 1 September. He has previously held the positions of Director of the Undergraduate School and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow. He gained his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and a DPhil in Biology from the University of York.

With research expertise in bacteriology, immunology and molecular biology, Professor Aitken has supervised postgraduate students from the UK, India and Middle East and has published widely on topics ranging from the biology of bacterial pathogens of humans and domesticated animals, to the exploitation of recombinant antibody methods for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Professor Aitken said:

“I am very excited at the prospect of joining the York St John community in September and helping the University in its drive to ever-greater success across teaching and research activities. Student experience has always been central to my work with staff and students and I look forwards playing my part in strengthening and enhancing this key aspect of the offering at York St John.”

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Alyson Tobin, Deputy Vice Chancellor of York St John University said:

“Professor Aitken brings a wealth of strategic and operational leadership experience from his positions at the University of Glasgow and has an excellent knowledge across the full range of health and life sciences courses and programmes. We look forward to welcoming him to the York St John community in September.”

Professor Aitken will take up the post following the departure of Professor Pam Dawson, who was Dean of the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences from September 2010 until April 2015. Dr Fiona Thompson, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, will continue in her role as Acting Dean until Professor Aitken’s arrival.