The University is pleased to announce that Professor Marcus Munafò will take up the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, following approval of the appointment by Council with the support of Senate.

Professor Munafò joins Bath from the University of Bristol, where he is Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Research Culture. As Professor of Biological Psychology and MRC Investigator, Marcus is also a leading academic in the field of health behaviours and mental health, with a particular focus on tobacco and alcohol use.

Professor Munafò has a long-standing interest in the factors that influence research quality. He co-founded the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) in 2019 and Chairs the UKRN Supervisory Board, as well as leading a major project funded by Research England to accelerate the uptake of open research practices across the UK Higher Education sector. Marcus is also Chair of the Medical Research Council Neurosciences and Mental Health Board and has advised governmental and supranational bodies and NGOs, as well as industry and commercial companies, major funders and sectoral organisations.

Professor Munafò’s leadership journey is as noteworthy as his academic career. He was Rowing Coach for the Oxford University Women’s Boat Club, and then on the Great Britain team where he coached the lightweight women’s double scull for the 2004 World Rowing Under 23 Regatta. He also served for 15 years as an Officer in the Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Major and commanding an Uncrewed Aerial Systems (drone) Battery.

In his role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bath, Marcus will have wide-ranging responsibilities, from playing a leading role in strategic planning, working closely with the Deans on the delivery of academic priorities, to organisational resourcing and senior-level external engagement.

Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President, said:

“I’m delighted that Professor Munafò will be joining us as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. I know the University will benefit both from his extraordinary leadership experience and his stellar academic track record in health, one of Bath’s core research areas. The Higher Education sector is navigating a real period of change and challenge, and Marcus has the fresh thinking and innovative approach we need to help our University not just to survive but thrive in the years ahead.”

Professor Munafò said:

“It’s an extremely exciting time to be joining Bath, and I’m looking forward to working across the University community. The sector is facing some real challenges, but Bath is very well placed to navigate these, and has the potential to grow and evolve in a way that will allow it to realise its full potential. I am genuinely honoured to be entrusted with the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor and will do my utmost to serve the University well.”

Professor Munafò completed his undergraduate degree in psychology and philosophy at the University of Oxford, followed by a MSc and PhD in health psychology at the University of Southampton. He worked at the University of Oxford and University of Pennsylvania across a range of areas, including public health and primary care, clinical pharmacology, and psychiatry, before joining the University of Bristol.

Professor Munafò will join as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bath on 1 May 2025.