University of Galway announced last evening that the new President to lead it into the 2030s will be Professor David J. Burn, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University.
Professor Burn has been appointed the 14th President of the University with effect from September 8 2025 and will succeed Professor Peter McHugh who has held the position on an interim basis since last year when Prof Ciaran O hOgartaigh stepped down.
Professor Burn has served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University since 2017, where he led transformative change initiatives to restructure faculty, accelerate research performance, advance equality, diversity and inclusion and drive internationalisation. He is also Professor of Movement Disorders Neurology and Honorary Consultant Neurologist for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust.
Professor Burn serves as Director of an Academic Health Science Centre, the Newcastle Health Research Partnership, which works to deliver improvements to health and wellbeing for the over three million people living in the Northeast of England and North Cumbria. Professor Burn is also President-elect of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Speaking about the appointment, Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Chair of Údarás na hOllscoile, University of Galway’s Governing Authority, said that following a rigorous and competitive assessment process, she is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Burn as the next President of University of Galway.
“Professor Burn brings a wealth of experience in University and health care leadership and presents a compelling vision to inspire University of Galway’s staff and students to take this remarkable University to new heights. With a track record of leadership and achievement internationally, Professor Burn brings both the necessary experience and vision to this role and I look forward to working with him as we begin a new chapter in the University’s journey.
She expressed her sincere thanks to Interim President, Professor Peter McHugh, for his steady leadership of the University over the last year and to wish him well in his future endeavours.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor David J. Burn said he is delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the next President of University of Galway.
“Although born and bred in the Northeast of England, I have had a strong personal connection to Ireland for over 35 years and am therefore no stranger to its rich heritage and vibrant culture. I look forward to working with all staff and students to help University of Galway further realise its incredible potential and am excited about what we can achieve together.”
