The Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (CELS) has appointed one of the UK's leading medical academics to its board of directors. SIR KENNETH CALMAN, vice-chancellor and warden of the University of Durham and former chief medical officer at the Department of Health has lived in the region for seven years since taking up his position at Durham University.
His arrival follows that of non-executive chairman Ian Shott, who joined in September.
Sir Kenneth said: "I very much look forward to contributing to the growth of the North-East's economy. Having lived in the region for many years, I am fully aware of the North-East's core strengths and believe it has a great deal to offer the wider world in terms of healthcare and health sciences.
"As vice-chancellor of the University of Durham, I am also in a good position to advise CELS on the best ways to strengthen links between the region's academia and industry."
The early years of Sir Kenneth's career were spent in hospitals and universities across the country until 1989, when he was appointed chief medical officer in Scotland.
Two years later, he was given the same role at the Department of Health, where he stayed for seven years.
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