News

Professor James Stirling appointed as Pro-Vice-Chancellor

(15 June 2005)

Durham University has appointed Professor James Stirling, director of its world-class centre for the study of particle physics, as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor with special responsibility for research.

Professor Stirling, a Fellow of the Royal Society, leads an international group of researchers investigating the fundamental building blocks of matter that underpin all scientific knowledge and theories.

He co-founded and is the current Director of the University Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology, which examines key areas of theoretical and observational branches of physics. It was recently described by an international review panel as a “front rank world class research institute”.

With a first degree in Mathematics and doctorate in Theoretical Physics from Cambridge, Prof Stirling had a research post in the University of Washington, Seattle, and at the international particle physics research centre CERN in Switzerland before coming to Durham as a lecturer in 1986. Following a rapid series of promotions he became a Professor in 1992. His appointment was unusual in that it was attached to two distinct departments of the University – Mathematical Sciences and Physics.

James Stirling is a leading figure in UK science, with strong connections to the Research Councils and to The Royal Society. He is deputy Chairman of the Physics Sub-Panel for the government’s 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, having also served on the 2001 Panel.

He takes up his Pro-VC appointment on 1 August 2005.

“It is a great honour to accept such an important role at Durham”, says Professor Stirling. “We are one of the top ten research universities in the country, with ambitions to improve even further. Much of our research achieves international recognition, while at the same time we are strongly engaged with activities in the region, for example through technology transfer and public outreach.”

Vice-Chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman said: “James Stirling is a world-class researcher and among our most distinguished company of scientists. I am delighted that he will be joining the senior management team, particularly in the vital area of research”.

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Photo caption: Professor James Stirling

For further information contact: Professor James Stirling, Director of the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology, Durham University, Tel 0191 334 3749

Media enquiries to: Tom Fennelly, Public Relations Office, University of Durham Tel 0191 334 6078 or e-mail: t.p.fennelly@durham.ac.uk