Julia Buckingham, who is currently pro-rector for education and academic affairs at Imperial College London, will take over at Brunel on 1 October, it was announced today.

She will replace Chris Jenks, a sociologist and philosopher, who became vice-chancellor and principal in February 2006.

Professor Buckingham, a former head of neurosciences and mental health at Imperial, is the first woman to be appointed as head of Brunel.

¡°I am looking forward to building on the strengths in research and education that Professor Jenks has developed to take the university to new heights,¡± she said.

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Jane Kelly, chair of the university¡¯s council, added that Professor Buckingham was ¡°an outstanding candidate in a strong field of applicants¡±.

She also ¡°demonstrates the skills, commitment and enthusiasm to build on Brunel¡¯s strengths and aspirations¡±, Ms Kelly added.

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There are currently 17 female vice-chancellors at the UK¡¯s 115 universities ¨C about 15 per cent, according to Universities UK.

jack.grove@tsleducation.com