A message from the Chair of Council

Good morning,

Following an international search, the University Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Stephen Jarvis as the sixth President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey. Professor Jarvis, a distinguished Computational Scientist and experienced university leader, will take up his new position in the autumn.

Caption: Professor Stephen Jarvis

Professor Jarvis currently serves as Provost and Vice-Principal at the University of Birmingham, where he has played a central role in shaping and delivering the University’s strategic vision. A former Royal Society Industry Fellow, he is internationally recognised for his contribution to the related fields of high-performance computing, data science and applied artificial intelligence.

Before joining the University of Birmingham, Professor Jarvis was Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Warwick, where he led industry-academic partnerships in big data. He also played a foundational role in the establishment of The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence, on whose board he served as a non-executive Director and Trustee for a number of years.

As President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jarvis will lead our University as we continue to deliver on our transformative Vision 2041, the University’s long-term strategy to becoming a globally-recognised top 100 leader in research, innovation, education and civic engagement.

Stephen’s outstanding track record in research, leadership and strategic vision made him the clear choice. He impressed the Council not only by his scholarly distinction and ability to unite academic excellence with real-world impact, but by his deep understanding of Surrey’s culture and potential. We are confident he will be an exceptional leader at this pivotal stage in Surrey’s growth, which seeks to position Surrey among the top 100 universities in the world.

I’d like to thank Professor Tim Dunne for stepping into the interim role and leading the University with such clarity and purpose during this important period of transition.

I’d also like to thank members of our Surrey community who took the opportunity to support the University Council by sharing their views on the qualities and experience required for this incredibly important role.  

Best wishes,

Charlie Geffen 
Chair of Council 

“I am deeply honoured to be joining the University of Surrey as its next President and Vice-Chancellor. Although the sector faces significant challenges, Surrey, with its triple excellence in research, teaching and student experience, coupled with a strong international outlook, is especially well-placed to play a key role in developing and implementing solutions to global challenges, while equipping its students to be the leaders of the future. I look forward to working with the entire University community to build on the durable legacy and ambitious trajectory established under Professor Max Lu’s leadership and to bring Vision 2041 to life.” 

Professor Stephen Jarvis 

“I offer my sincerest congratulations to Professor Jarvis on his appointment as Surrey’s next President and Vice-Chancellor, a role I have been privileged to occupy for a short time. His reputation as a thoughtful and strategic leader is well established across the sector. I know the Surrey community will warmly welcome him, and I look forward to continuing in the interim role and supporting a smooth transition as Professor Jarvis leads us on the next phase of our institutional journey.” 

Professor Tim Dunne, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor