Director Announcement: Professor Ian Bruce
Professor Ian Bruce, Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) has announced he will be stepping down from this role at the end of March 2024.
Prof Bruce has accepted a post as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast. He will have strategic responsibility for the Faculty, providing leadership, innovation and direction.
Prof Bruce has been Director of the NIHR Manchester BRC since 2017 and led the successful bid which saw our funding more than double to just over £60 million in 2022 – the largest single research award given by the NIHR to the city-region.
Prof Bruce will take up his role at Queen’s on 8 April 2024. He will also continue his research activities at The University of Manchester’s Centre for Musculoskeletal Research. His research focuses on early mechanisms and long-term outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus and related immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Speaking about his departure, Prof Bruce said: “It was an incredibly difficult decision to leave Manchester and the BRC, however this was the right opportunity at the right time for me and I am joining the senior leadership team at Queen’s at what is a very exciting time for education, research and innovation there.
“I am immensely proud of what Manchester BRC has achieved since 2017 in driving health improvements for lasting change for all and bridging the gaps between new discoveries and individualised care through life-saving and life-changing research.
“That we have been able to grow Manchester BRC, expanding our research themes and our geographical reach to ensure that communities across our region’s urban, rural, and coastal areas are now able to participate in cutting-edge research, is a testament to both our past achievements and our clear vision for the future.
“I would like to thank all my colleagues, collaborators and public contributors who have supported and contributed to this work to improve people’s lives and reduce health inequalities through translational and cutting-edge research.
“I know that I am leaving Manchester BRC in a very strong, stable position and I will continue to watch Manchester’s progress and successes with huge pride.”
Manchester BRC is now in the process of appointing a new Director.