Lancaster has identified public engagement as a core pillar of its strategy to become a globally significant university. 

Professor Mark E. Smith, Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, welcomed the appointment:

“Lancaster aims to embed public engagement into all its work and at all levels, from research and knowledge exchange to teaching and social responsibility. We had an incredibly strong shortlist and I am delighted that Professor Dame Sue Black has agreed to join us to provide leadership in this area. It is exciting for Lancaster to be able to attract such an internationally excellent academic who has also done a lot of interesting things in engagement. I look forward to Sue joining the team and working alongside her and colleagues across the university.”

Professor Dame Sue Black has led the Queen’s award-winning Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee for the last 15 years.

Her work is recognised both nationally and internationally in the investigation of crimes as diverse as genocide and abuse of children. 

She was awarded an OBE in 2001 for her work in Kosovo and a DBE in 2016.  She is the lifetime Professor of Anatomy for the Royal Scottish Academy and is the recipient of the Fletcher of Saltoun award for her contribution to Scottish culture, the Jephcott gold medal for scientific advancement, the Lucy Mair medal for humanitarian assistance and the Anatomical Society gold medal for her distinguished contribution to the subject of anatomy. 

She also holds two police commendations for her forensic casework.  

She has a very strong media and public engagement profile holding 6 awards in this area including an Outstanding Woman of Scotland award and the RSE Inspirational Award.

Professor Dame Sue Black said: “I am delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to work with Lancaster University. That this progressive University has chosen to put engagement front and centre in its vision and strategy is a testament to the University’s foresight and leadership in the field.  I am genuinely looking forward to the challenge.”

She will start at Lancaster on 1 August 2018.