Vice-Principal International appointed

The University has appointed Professor James Smith as Vice-Principal International.

Professor Smith is Co-Director of the Centre of African Studies and holds a Personal Chair in African and Development Studies.

He has served as Assistant Principal Global Development since 2011 and was instrumental in the 2010 launch of the University’s Global Development Academy.

International development

Professor Smith has played a key role in launching a cluster of Edinburgh degree programmes that focus on aspects of international development.

He also contributes to the delivery of international student work experience programmes, interdisciplinary doctoral training initiatives and the mentorship of early career colleagues.

He has collaborated with international organisations including Oxfam, the UK Department for International Development, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.

I’ve been hugely privileged to have seen firsthand some of the global impacts of our teaching and research, overseas experiences of our students and strength of our international partnerships, and I’m really looking forward to working with staff, students and partners to ensure that Edinburgh continues to play a transformational role around the world.

Global partnerships

The Vice-Principal International leads Edinburgh Global.

The post holder is responsible for implementing the University’s Internationalisation Strategy, and works with staff across the University to develop teaching and research partnerships around the world.

Professor Smith replaces Professor Stephen Hillier, who will retire in the autumn.

Professor Hillier joined the University in 1985 and was appointed Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology in 1993.