New Univeristy of Aberdeen principal to start role early

The new principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Aberdeen has been named.

Prof Pete Edwards will take up the role on 1 November, taking over from Prof George Boyne who announced his retirement earlier this year.

He had had been due to retire in December but the university said he would now leave the post on 31 October to allow Prof Edwards to begin “as soon as possible”.

He takes over the role amid ongoing financial challenges at the university.

Prof Boyne has been in the role since 2018 and has overseen recent saving plans at the institution.

In 2023, the university faced criticism over redundancy plans and for its decision to no longer offer single honours degrees in modern languages.

Its annual report for that year said there was “material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt over the ability to continue as a going concern”.

Further cuts by the University of Aberdeen were announced earlier this year, despite progress being made on improving its financial position.

Prof Edwards – who is currently the university’s Vice-President for Regional Engagement – will now oversee those cuts as the university looks to plug a £5.5m funding gap.

Earlier this year the university reopened and later extended its voluntary severance scheme. So far it has not given any details about the number of staff who have come forward.

In a note sent to staff, the university’s Senior Governor Julie Ashworth outlined the reasons for Prof Edwards taking over the role earlier than planned.

She said: “This is especially important at a time when we are looking at new structures and ways of working to achieve our ambitions while securing long term financial sustainability.”