Dame Julia, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent since 2007, has announced her intention to retire in August 2017.

Through her leadership, Kent has made a significant step change in its national and international standing.

Sir David Warren, Chair of the University’s governing Council, said: ‘Julia has been an outstanding Vice-Chancellor and has led the University through a time of profound change in the higher education sector. Kent is now in the top 20 of British universities, an institution whose research and teaching is of the highest standard, and an environment which receives high praise from staff and students as a centre of study and as a place to work.

‘Julia’s focus on international engagement has also meant that we are on course to become a globally recognised research institution by 2020. This is a tribute to Julia’s inspiring leadership of a great team. It has been a privilege to work with her over the last three years on the Council of the University, and as the Chair of Council since August 2014. I am delighted that she will continue to lead the University for the next 16 months, working closely with the rest of the University’s Executive Group.’

Dame Julia said: ‘I would like to thank staff and students for their support and hard work in securing our place among the UK’s best universities in such a challenging environment. We are now in a strong position to build for the future. It is an honour to lead such an outstanding institution and I have valued working with so many exceptional individuals.’

Dame Julia is currently President of Universities UK. She joined the University from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council where, as Chief Executive, she was responsible for government funding for the biosciences in universities and in seven sponsored research institutes.

Sir David Warren, as Chair of the University Council, will oversee the process to appoint the next outstanding Vice-Chancellor.