Professor Andrew Macdonald appointed as Pro Dean for Research and Innovation

Professor Macdonald will play a leading role in shaping and driving the Faculty of Biological Sciences’ research and innovation strategy.

As Pro Dean of Research and Innovation, he’ll be responsible for fostering a strong research culture and environment which delivers high quality research and impact, as well as exploring new and exciting research funding streams. 

Professor Macdonald, who was held several leadership positions in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, begins his new role at the end of October.  

Professor Karen Birch, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Biological Sciences said: 

“Andrew has an excellent understanding of the research community in the University and the sector which made him an ideal candidate for his role. In his previous leadership roles in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, he’s shown he can galvanise our ambitions of delivering an inclusive research and education culture, one that’s underpinned by a drive to push the boundaries of understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms in overcoming world challenges. 

“I’m very much looking forward to working with him as we continue to grow our world-class research and its impact beyond academia.” 

Professor Macdonald joined University of Leeds in 2006 under a five-year RCUK-funded independent Fellowship. His research focuses on small DNA tumour viruses that cause diseases in humans, specifically the mechanistic impact of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) on cancer.  

He has a number of editorial roles at international journals in cancer biology and virology and he routinely sits on international funding panels.  

Commenting on his new role, Professor Macdonald said: 

“The Faculty of Biological Sciences is an incredibly exciting place to be and so it’s a huge privilege to lead the charge on our research portfolio. I’m very much looking forward to building on the excellent work of my predecessor and creating an inclusive and sustainable research strategy which puts our science on the world stage.” 

In his new role, Professor Macdonald will replace Professor Lisa Collins, who has played a pivotal role within the faculty’s senior leadership team since 2019, alongside her role as Academic Director of the university’s National Pig Centre and as Deputy Director of the Global Food and Environment Institute.  

Professor Birch thanked Professor Collins for her “outstanding contribution” to the faculty, adding that ‘she will be greatly missed.”