PROFESSOR John Grattan has been appointed as Aberystwyth University’s acting vice-chancellor.

Currently pro vice-chancellor for Student Experience and International, Prof Grattan will assume the role from 1 of February, following an internal recruitment process.

Prof Grattan’s appointment follows vice-chancellor April McMahon’s announcement that she will step down at the end of her five-year term in July this year. Between 1 February and 31 July, Prof McMahon will be focusing on externally-facing aspects of the role.

A graduate of the University of Manchester (Geography and Archaeology), Prof Grattan gained a PhD from the University of Sheffield where he studied the impact of Icelandic volcanic eruptions on ancient settlements of northern and western Britain. He joined Aberystwyth University as lecturer in 1995, and has since held a number of key internal leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Science, prior to being appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor in 2012.

Prof Grattan is currently chair of Universities Wales Learning and Teaching Action Group, board member of the Quality Assurance Agency, National Representative on the Higher Education Public Information Strategy Group, and a member of SAGE – Scientific Advice to Government in Emergencies.

During 2015, he was appointed to the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework Design and Implementation Expert Advisory Group, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales Student Outcomes and Achievement Committee, and to the board of Global Wales.

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, chancellor and chair of Aberystwyth University’s Council said: “I welcome the University Council’s appointment of Prof Grattan, and the council looks forward to working with him.”

Prof Grattan said: “It is a privilege to be appointed to the role of acting vice-chancellor for Aberystwyth University and I look forward to working with vice-chancellor Professor April McMahon over the coming months to build on the excellent work that has been done during her time here.

“Aberystwyth University is investing over £100m in new research and teaching facilities, and student residences, work that is critical for the future success of the University and the local economy. The University is recognised internationally for the quality of its teaching and research, and for the student experience, and 2016 will be a year for building on these in what is an increasingly competitive recruitment market.”

Professor Grattan will fulfil the role of acting vice-chancellor until a new vice-chancellor assumes office.