University of Birmingham, UK. Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams has been appointed provost and vice-principal of the University of Birmingham. A fellow and trustee of the Academy of Social Sciences, he is a leading social scientist recognised in the Stanford Top 2% of world-leading scientists, with a strong track record of academic leadership. He joined the University of Birmingham as pro-vice-chancellor and head of the College of Social Sciences in 2024. Nick was previously vice-provost and chair of the faculty of social science at the University of Warwick and formerly held lectureships at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and the University of Exeter. Upon his appointment, Nick said: “From every angle, the University of Birmingham is in a remarkably strong position. With a clear ambition and a refreshed strategic framework, we’re well placed to drive future innovation through interdisciplinary, challenge-led work … We will continue to build on disciplinary excellence and deliver an outstanding student experience”