Northern Ireland's commitment to education is the foundation on which a better society will be built, Queen's University's new Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Gregson said today.

Speaking as he took office, Professor Gregson said Queen's was recognised around the world for the quality of its teaching and its research.

"My challenge is to build on that reputation, and ensure that Queen's sits at the centre of an international network which brings wealth and prosperity to this region," he said.

Professor Gregson, 46, served as deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southampton University before his appointment to Queen's.

"This is the era of opportunity," he said. "The world belongs to those who innovate, who take risks and who make the most of the resources they have got. Queen's has one of the most important resources of all: intellectual capital.

"Queen's has an abundance of international research in key areas across all disciplines: engineering, medicine, social sciences, humanities and the sciences.

"Although it is an established university with a track record in traditional areas of research, Queen's academics are also at the cutting edge in the global development of new technologies such as information technology, nanotechnology and cancer studies."

The new Vice-Chancellor said that one of the things which had attracted him to Queen's was its strong focus on the student experience and its determination to make a major contribution to the community it served.

He continued: "I want to build on those strengths. I know I shall have the support of the University and the wider community in developing a renewed vision of Queen's working for the betterment of the society it serves through the achievement of international excellence.

"First-class universities don't just happen, they come about because societies make investment in them a priority, and because the institutions themselves create a community of learning with world-class academics inspiring the finest students.

"Queen’s has that exhilarating mix. Northern Ireland has a right to be proud of it, and it is an honour for me to join the team and to lead it."

The new Vice-Chancellor will perform his first official duty later today when he welcomes guests to the launch at Queen's of the All-Ireland Cancer Report. Following this, he will meet representatives of Queen's international student population during a visit to the University's new International Research Centre for Experimental Physics.

(mb/sp)