MRC Council member
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell is a member of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Council.
Nancy was President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester from July 2010 to July 2024. She was the first woman to lead the university or either of its two predecessor institutions. Nancy is currently working alongside the newly appointed President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Ivison, and has been appointed Campaign and External Relations Ambassador and Emeritus Professor. She is also Professor of Physiology, and has previously held an MRC Research Chair, as well as holding university positions as Vice-President for Research and as Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Rothwell’s research in the field of neuroscience has contributed towards major advances in the understanding and treatment of brain damage in stroke and head injury. She was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in June 2004 and made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in June 2005, in recognition of her services to science.
Her previous work includes:
- founding President of the Royal Society of Biology
- co-Chair of the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology
- Chair of the Russell Group
- member of the UK Investment Council
- non-executive director of AstraZeneca
She is currently:
- a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester
- member of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership Board
- member of the UK Biobank Board
- member of the Health Innovation Manchester Board
Nancy takes a strong and active interest in public communication of science and regularly gives talks to schools and the public, and contributes to television, radio and press, particularly on sensitive issues in science.
Last updated: 1 April 2025