nancy Rothwell — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester from 2010 to 2024.
Identified the role of cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) in diverse forms of brain injury and conducted early clinical trials of an IL-1 inhibitor in strokes.
Served as non-executive director of pharmaceuticals company AstraZeneca from 2006 to 2015.
Chaired the Russell Group, representing 24 research-intensive UK universities, from 2020 to 2023.
Obtained a PhD (1979) and a Doctor of Science (DSc) degree (1987) from King's College London.
Delivered the Royal Institution Christmas Lecture on 'The Secrets of Life' in 1998, which was televised by the BBC.

Biography

Dame Nancy Rothwell is a distinguished British physiologist and academic leader. She served as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester from 2010 to 2024, having previously deputised in both roles. Her academic journey began with a first-class degree in physiology (1976) and a Doctor of Philosophy degree (1979) from Queen Elizabeth College, followed by a Doctor of Science (DSc) degree in 1987 from King's College London.