Professor Jonathan Van-Tam set to re-join University of Nottingham
Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam is set to leave his role as deputy chief medical officer to become the University of Nottingham’s next pro-vice-chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences.
One of the most-recognisable faces in the fight against Covid, professor Van-Tam will take up role on 1 May, succeeding professor John Atherton who retires from the end of the Spring term following a 35-year career spanning clinical and academic practice – 26 of them teaching, leading and consulting at the University.
Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam said: “My time as DCMO has been the most challenging of my professional career, especially the Covid response. We all wish Covid had never happened. Notwithstanding, it has been the greatest privilege of my professional career to have served the people of the UK during this time.
“I am delighted to become faculty pro-vice-chancellor for medicine & health sciences at Nottingham and am looking forward to returning to the University that has been part of my academic and professional life since 1987. It will be a pleasure to work with colleagues old and new throughout the Faculty and more widely.
“I want to pay tribute to professor Sir Chris Whitty, the CMO team, my fellow scientists, public health professionals and clinicians whose support, wisdom and energy has been inspiring. There are countless numbers who work behind the scenes – all of whom have an unrelenting commitment to help and support the British public. It has been an honour to work with them all.”
Vice-chancellor Professor Shearer West said: “All of us at the University are incredibly proud of professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam’s work as deputy chief medical officer, in which he has played a major role in steering the nation through the Covid-19 pandemic.
“His academic and leadership expertise is second to none, and the integrity that he has demonstrated in his government role is fully aligned to our values. I know that he will take our University’s reputation for excellence in medicine and health sciences to new heights.”
Professor Sir Chris Whitty said: “Professor Van-Tam has been an outstanding DCMO and public servant. I am profoundly thankful for his steadfast support, advice, leadership and commitment. His communication of public health advice and science has been remarkable.”
