Oxford Emulates Cambridge -- Next Vice-Chancellor Recruited from Yale. (June 5, 2008)

In 2003, Cambridge University invited Kent born physical anthropologist Alison Richard to become its vice-chancellor. She took up the post in 2004 resigning her position as provost of Yale University.

Now Oxford University has announced that subject to the approval of the university's dons, the current provost of Yale is to be its next vice-chancellor. Andrew Hamilton (56) will take up the post from October 2009, when John Hood will have completed his five-year term.

Professor Hamilton, was born in Guildford, Surrey, read chemistry at the University of Exeter, and after studying for his master's degree at the University of British Columbia, returned to the UK to obtain his PhD from Cambridge in 1980. At Yale he is Benjamin Silliman Professor of Organic and Biophysical Chemistry. His group's specific interest has been to design, with the aid of computer modelling, and construct a family of receptor molecules containing hydrogen bonding, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, in emulation of enzymatic function.

Professor Richard said yesterday that the nomination of Andrew Hamilton was "a splendid nomination. I worked closely with Andrew for many years at Yale, and am greatly looking forward to working with him in his new role at Oxford."