We are writing to express our disappointment with the recent profile of UCL provost Michael Arthur by Peter Wilby, which smears his work and achievements. As highlighted in the article, UCL is not only thriving in size but also in research excellence, public contribution, and global significance, making it one of the top 10 universities in the world. Michael Arthur deserves credit for his role in achieving these successes.
Steering a prestigious university like UCL with a £1.5bn budget is a challenging task, and it is disappointing that Wilby relied on the views of a small, anonymous portion of the academic body for his article. Additionally, we must note that Wilby’s treatment of Tim Hunt’s sexist comments is remarkable for a newspaper committed to gender equity.
While none of us are perfect, Michael Arthur is a man of integrity with a track record of leadership that includes commitments to increasing equality and diversity, enhancing the student experience, improving the neglected estate, and promoting academic excellence. These values and achievements deserve recognition.
Signed,
Professor Piet Eeckhout, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Laws
Professor Mark Emberton, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Medical Sciences
Professor Becky Francis, Director of the UCL Institute of Education (IOE)
Professor Graham Hart, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences
Professor John Mullan, Interim Dean of the UCL Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Professor Ivan Parkin, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Professor Alan Penn, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Built Environment
Professor Geraint Rees, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Life Sciences
Professor Sasha Roseneil, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences
Professor Alan Thompson, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences
Professor Nigel Titchener-Hooker, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Engineering Sciences.
