News

Vice-Chancellor joins board of Life Sciences organisation

(28 November 2005)

Sir Kenneth Calman, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University has joined the board of the North East’s Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (CELS) – the body that helps to drive the healthcare economy of the region.

Sir Kenneth has spent his career in medical research, training and management, and was Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health before moving to the region as Durham’s VC in 1998.

Dr Ian Robson, business development director at CELS describes the significance of Sir Kenneth’s input: “We are continuing to build upon the strong foundations which are already in place at CELS and Sir Kenneth’s appointment helps strengthen the board and marks another important step for the organisation. His medical knowledge, governmental experience and position at one the country’s most recognised academic institutions will be hugely beneficial.

“The region is bursting with opportunities in healthcare and the associated life science areas, one of the core industry pillars identified by One NorthEast for investment. Sir Kenneth’s understanding of clinical delivery and his academic responsibilities will help CELS bridge the gap between research and industry and deliver the objectives set out in the regional economic strategy.”

Sir Kenneth said: “I very much look forward to contributing to the growth of the North East’s economy. Having lived in the region for many years, I am fully aware of the North East’s core strengths and believe it has a great deal to offer the wider world in terms of healthcare and health sciences. As Vice Chancellor of Durham University, I am also in a good position to advise CELS on the best ways to strengthen links between the region’s academia and industry.”

The early years of Sir Kenneth’s career were spent in hospitals and universities across the country until 1989 when he was appointed chief medical officer in Scotland. Two years later, he was appointed to do the same job for the Department of Health, a role in which he stayed for seven years.