National Centre welcomes academic leader to its Board of Directors

The National Centre for Universities and Business is delighted to welcome Professor Sir Keith Burnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, to its Board of Directors.

Professor Sir Keith Burnett brings a wealth of experience to the National Centre. He was previously Head of the Division of Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences at the University of Oxford, and is a member of the Prime-Minister’s Council of Science and Technology and the Infrastructure Council which advises the Treasury on major investments, and serves on the Board of the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

Sir Keith is a leading advocate of partnership between the UK and China, has advised the Chinese government on Higher Education policy and is a regular commentator in the Chinese media. In the UK and internationally, Professor Burnett is frequently asked to comment on how the UK can develop a meaningful knowledge economy and innovative partnership between universities and business. In Sheffield he has supported the development of an Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District with university partnerships with over 100 companies in aerospace, automotive, civil nuclear energy and healthcare technologies. As part of this, the University has been the first of its kind in the UK to develop industry-supported degree apprenticeships in engineering.

Sam Laidlaw, Chairman for the National Centre for Universities and Business said:
“I look forward to working with Professor Sir Keith Burnett and our Board of Directors as we expand our work on innovation and better talent to enhance productivity, growth and graduate employment across the UK.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors
The National Centre for Universities and Business promotes, develops and supports university-business collaboration across the UK. The National Centre brings together leaders from across higher education and business to tackle issues of shared interest. As a membership not-for-profit organisation, the National Centre has 70 universities and 58 corporates as members. The Board of Directors comprises vice chancellors from the universities of Liverpool, Brunel London, South Wales, Glasgow and London South Bank and business leaders from Boeing UK, HSBC, Rolls-Royce Group and Cisco UK&I. It is their role to ensure the work of the National Centre is fit for purpose, represents value for money and delivers the proper support to the university-business communities for whose benefit it was set up.

For further information please contact
• James Lenney, Web & Communications Officer (james.lenney@ncub.co.uk) or
• Shivaun Meehan, Senior Manager, Communications and Engagement (shivaun.meehan@ncub.co.uk)
Tel: 020 7383 7667