Professor Pearse, who will take up his role in the summer, will join from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), where he serves as consultant in intensive care medicine.

He was previously clinical director of research for Barts Health and QMUL.

Professor Pearse said: ‘Surrey has real ambition in health and medical sciences, and I'm excited about the opportunity to connect that ambition to the NHS partners who can make it count for patients. My research has always been about improving patients' lives in the widest sense – addressing the gaps between what we know and what gets done. I want to bring that focus into the Faculty's work, and I am looking forward to building on the strong foundations already here. I hope to build on our relationships with our closest neighbour, the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, and with our many NHS, civic, and animal health partners.'  

Stephen Jarvis, vice-chancellor of the University of Surrey, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Rupert to the University of Surrey. The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences has outstanding education and research facilities, together with the significant advantage of close proximity to both the Research Park and the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Rupert brings the experience of a distinguished academic leader and practising NHS clinician, which will be invaluable as we pursue our ambition to build a pioneering, purposeful and globally recognised One Health ecosystem, bringing together interdisciplinary research and education in human and animal health.'