Academic and business all-rounder Professor Kevin Shakesheff takes up his role as Vice-Chancellor of Keele University today (September 1), with immediate focus on a new era of growth and collaboration.
Professor Shakesheff joins from the Open University, where as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation he led research, enterprise and commercial strategies.
His appointment follows the retirement of Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, who stepped down after a decade at the helm.
A pharmacist by background, Professor Shakesheff brings a career that bridges academia, business, and civic leadership.
After completing his PhD at the University of Nottingham and postdoctoral fellowship at MIT, he became an EPSRC Advanced Fellow before moving into senior leadership roles, including Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Science at Nottingham.
His track record extends beyond academia: he was a founder of regenerative medicine company Locate Bio Ltd, a director at science incubator BioCity Ltd, and chaired the NC3Rs, a national research body working with government and industry.
He has also been a strong advocate for public engagement, chairing ONE Nottingham and co-founding the city’s Festival of Science and Curiosity to connect communities with science and innovation.
Speaking on his first day in post, Professor Shakesheff said: “Keele has a well-deserved reputation for excellence in teaching and research, underpinned by its pioneering work in sustainability and civic engagement.
“I look forward to working with colleagues, businesses and communities to drive this excellent university forward. Our role is to deliver the highest quality of teaching, expand the impact of our research, and strengthen partnerships that benefit society.”
Business and civic collaboration is expected to be a central theme of his leadership, building on Keele’s role as a driver of regional innovation. The university already hosts the UK’s largest Smart Energy Network Demonstrator and works closely with businesses through its Science and Innovation Park.
With his experience in research commercialisation, industry partnerships and community engagement, Professor Shakesheff’s appointment signals Keele’s intent to expand its impact across the region and beyond.
