NEWCASTLE University’s vice-chancellor is to retire at the end of next year, it has been announced.

Professor Chris Brink, a South African-born mathematician, joined Newcastle from Stellenbosch University in Western Cape in 2007. He is now 64.

Mark I’Anson, chair of the University’s governing Council, said: “Chris Brink has pioneered huge change, not only in the University, but also in the city.

“The University’s partnership with Newcastle City Council to develop Science Central from a former derelict site to an exemplar of urban sciences and digital technology, creating jobs, new business and academic excellence, is a very visible example of his vision.”

Prof Brink said he was grateful to staff, students and lay members of the University, proud to have served and the University was in a very strong position.

The process of finding his successor will start early in the New Year.