AN international search for a new leader of Durham University is about to start following the announcement of Professor Stuart Corbridge’s retirement.

The vice-chancellor will step down at the end of the next academic year, July 31, 2021.

Professor Corbridge joined Durham University in September 2015, having previously served as deputy director and provost at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

In a statement to staff and students, Professor Corbridge said he would be retiring for health reasons, but will continue to lead the university at full capacity until his retirement.

He said: “Leading Durham University over the last five years has been an immense privilege for me both as a leader and as an academic.

“As a community we have achieved so much with our university strategy to transform our research, education and wider student experience.

“We continue to be a world-leading university, albeit we now face many challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, like all universities.

“I remain immensely grateful to all of the colleagues, students and friends of the university who have supported me.”