University names new Chancellor

Lord Naren Patel has been named as the fourth Chancellor of Dundee.

Lord Patel succeeds Sir James Black OM who is retiring at the age of 82 after 14 years in the post.

Lord Patel, who is internationally recognised for his contributions to the field of high-risk obstetrics, continues the distinguished line of pre-eminent individuals who have taken on the role of Chancellor at Dundee. Previous Chancellors are HM The Queens Mother (1967-1977), Lord Dalhousie (1977-1992) and Sir James Black OM (1992-2006).

Lord Patel said, "There can be no greater award than to be asked to be Chancellor of this University in which I have worked for most of my life. I am honoured and privileged."

A graduate of Queen's College, St Andrews University, Lord Patel has worked for almost all of his professional life at Dundee Royal Infirmary and Ninewells Hospital and Medical School. He was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Dundee in 2004 and holds similar awards from a number of other universities as well as honorary fellowships of universities and national organisations worldwide.

Lord Patel's key contribution is in the field of medicine where his obstetrics work is of international standing. He is currently retired and sits in the House of Lords having received a knighthood in 1997 and elevation to the Peerage in 1999. There he has been a member of the Science and Technology Committee for seven years. He is currently Chairman of the UK Stem Cell Oversight Committee and Chairman of the National Patient Safety Agency of England and Wales. He is also a member of the Board of the Armed Forces Pay Review.

His academic and clinical interests are in the field of high risk obstetrics. He has published widely on preterm labour, foetal growth retardation and obstetric epidemiology.

The announcement of his appointment to the role of Chancellor followed the February meeting of the University Court.

Chairman of Court Mr John Milligan said, "The University Chancellor embodies the mission of the University 'to advance and diffuse knowledge, wisdom and understanding by teaching and research and by the example and influence of its corporate life'."

"We are honoured and delighted to have Lord Patel accept this role for the University of Dundee. Lord Patel's quiet and relentless dedication to health improvements, both in this country and in the poorer countries of the world, is an inspiration. And his knowledge of the University - as one who has been closely associated with its work throughout his professional life - makes him an ideal Chancellor."

Lord Patel will be installed as Chancellor at a ceremony in late May and will confer his first degrees for the University when he presides at the 2006 graduation ceremonies in June and July.