Following over six years' leading the University of Southampton as President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark E. Smith CBE will step down at the end of May 2026 to take up the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Oxford.
Under Professor Smith's leadership, the University has held a top 100 position in the prestigious QS World rankings since 2019, became the first university in the world to open a comprehensive international campus in India and transformed the student experience.
Further highlights include the embedding of a truly triple helix approach across the University, achieving exceptional performance in the Knowledge Exchange Framework and making a historic pledge to become a Civic University. Professor Smith was also awarded a CBE for Services to Research and Higher Education in the 2019 Birthday Honours.
Sir Ian Diamond, Chair of University Council, said: "Professor Smith has had a profound and lasting effect on the University. His ambitious vision and outstanding leadership have secured some of the greatest achievements and accolades in our history. Southampton is the first - and currently only - international university to have opened a campus in Delhi, a remarkable milestone that has strengthened the UK-India trade relationship and earned recognition from both governments.
"Over the past six years, Professor Smith championed an ambitious strategy, advancing a distinctive triple helix approach that integrates world-leading research, education, knowledge exchange and enterprise. His efforts have driven incredible growth and innovation, as well as a transformative student experience.
"I offer my heartfelt thanks to Professor Smith for his outstanding contribution and wish him well in his new role."
Professor Smith reflected: "I am deeply honoured to have served as President and Vice-Chancellor for one of the leading universities in the world. It has been an enormous privilege to work alongside such talented and committed colleagues, and I am proud of what we have achieved together.
"The University's entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with its internationally recognised research excellence, creates a unique student experience and environment for real-world impact and innovation.
"It has been a difficult decision to leave, but I do so safe in the knowledge that Southampton will continue to grow, delivering the life-changing skills and impact that are synonymous with our institution. It is a testament to the place so many people are proud to work here. I will remember my time here very fondly and want to thank you all for making it so memorable. I wish all of you and the University the very best for the future".
Professor Smith is a renowned nuclear magnetic resonance and materials physicist, with more than 380 published papers. He chairs Advance HE's Board, serves on Research England's Council, and is part of the executive group overseeing the National High Field Solid-State NMR Facility at Warwick. Before joining Southampton, he served as Vice-Chancellor at Lancaster University and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Warwick.
Interim arrangements will be considered by the nominations committee and confirmed as soon as possible, following which a full and inclusive recruitment process will commence.
