Announcement by the Vice-Chancellor on changing role of Professor Christopher Duggan

Friday, 24 May 2013

Professor Christopher Duggan

After six years in his role as Head of the School of Literature and Languages, Professor Christopher Duggan has decided to step down in order to focus on developing his national and international profile in the field of modern Italian history.

Christopher has arrived at this decision in the light of his growing research commitments in this country and abroad, his increasing involvement in outreach activities, his rising numbers of PhD students, and the success of his most recent book - Fascist Voices. An Intimate History of Mussolini's Italy (among other accolades, it has recently been awarded the prestigious Wolfson History Prize).

In order to contribute as fully as possible to the university's research profile, and so as best to promote and develop modern European as well Italian history at the University, he has decided also that he should henceforward be located in the Department of History.

All of the above plans have been discussed with me and I give them my fullest possible support and backing. Christopher is an outstanding scholar who has made a superb contribution to the University of Reading over many years. This new role will enhance even further the standing of Christopher's work, as well as the profile and reputation of the University.

Under the new procedures for appointing Heads of School, we shall shortly advertise the vacancy in Literature and Languages across the University.  I shall also write to all academic staff in the School for their views. We intend to interview for this role on 2 July.

Colleagues in Modern Languages and European Studies will be aware that we also need to appoint a new Head of Department. It is only right that the new Head of School should be involved in the process, which will therefore start formally after he or she has been appointed.

It would be appropriate also for the new Head of School to be involved in the selection of the new School Director of Research: interviews for this role will accordingly be held after the Head of School has been appointed.

Any questions regarding these matters should be directed to your HR Partner, Caroline Bryan, c.bryan@reading.ac.uk