Dr Frank Armstrong has been announced as the next Senior Lay Member of the University’s governing body, the University Court, following election by University staff, students and Court members.
Three candidates stood in the election, which was held following an open recruitment process.
Dr Armstrong has a longstanding relationship with the University, both as a graduate of Edinburgh Medical School and a former member of University Court. He has held the role of CEO for multiple companies during a long career in pharma and biotechnology. He is also the Chair of Edinburgh Innovations, the University’s commercialisation service.
As Senior Lay Member, Dr Armstrong will play an important role in leading the University Court and ensuring it conducts its business effectively.
I am honoured to have been elected as the next Senior Lay Member of the Court and I’d like to thank all the students, staff, Court members and my fellow candidates for engaging with this election. Our University is a unique institution with a history of academic excellence, achievement and creativity. I am so proud and excited to work with the Principal, University Secretary and Court to take forward the University’s agenda for change and to contribute to its extraordinary future.
Dr Frank Armstrong
Dr Armstrong will take up the role for a period of four years starting from 1 August 2026. He succeeds the current Senior Lay Member Janet Legrand, who has been in post since 2020.
Congratulations to Frank on his appointment. The role of Senior Lay Member is crucially important for both the University Court and our wider University community. I look forward to working with Frank when he takes up the position in the summer. Thank you also to the outgoing Senior Lay Member, Janet Legrand, for her continued dedication and contribution to the University over the past six years.
Leigh Chalmers
University Secretary and Vice-Principal
