Imperial College: Keith O’Nions appointed Rector

The acting Rector of Imperial College, Keith O’Nions, has now been confirmed in the post, to serve a full term.

O’Nions joined Imperial in July 2008 as Director of the Institute for Security Science and Technology and was appointed acting Rector in succession to Roy Anderson on 1 January 2010.

John Kerr, Chairman of Imperial’s Court and Council, said, “I’m delighted that Sir Keith has agreed to serve a full term. His first six months have been a tour de force. With him at the helm, we have a highly skilled and experienced captain to navigate us through some of the most challenging waters that universities have faced in a generation.

“Keith’s deep knowledge of both academia and government means that he understands the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It is to Imperial’s great benefit that he will remain in post to strengthen its position on the world stage and lead it to even greater success.”

Prior to joining Imperial in 2008, O’Nions held government posts including Director General, Science and Innovation, in the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and Chief Scientific Advisor to both the Department of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Defence.

As a career academic for more than 30 years, he has also taught, researched and led departments in some of the world’s top universities, culminating in the role of Head of Earth Sciences at Oxford University.

“There’s never a dull moment at Imperial and it’s been a real privilege to immerse myself in all aspects of life here over the past six months,” O’Nions said. “This is a place where excellence flourishes and which attracts people of ability from around the world. I am so impressed by the way that staff and students are always on the lookout for the next opportunity to apply their knowledge and abilities for the good of quality of life globally.

“There are tough challenges ahead but Imperial is certainly not going to stand still over the coming years. We will continue to advance our academic mission by strengthening our core disciplines, providing time and space for interdisciplinary work, investing in the student experience and maintaining the high quality of our support staff.”