The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine appoints inaugural Associate Dean (Education) for the Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases

Founded in 1899, the LSHTM is one of the world’s leading public health universities. The LSHTM is a network of specialist areas, units, and partners around the world which work together to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education, and the translations of knowledge into policy and practice.

The Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases is one of three faculties at the LSHTM; it aims to deliver outstanding contributions to reduce the evolving disease burden related to infections and global health inequality.

As part of the LSHTM’s current education strategy, Society was retained for this inaugural appointment to search for a strategic and innovative education leader to make significant impact in shaping the Faculty’s education provision. The incoming Associate Dean (Education) holds an important and visible role with particular responsibility for leading Faculty education strategic planning, quality management and enhancement, and student experience.

Dr Alan Brown is currently Co-Director of Education and Student Experience for the Biosciences department at University of Exeter where he is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes that span the breadth of biological and chemical sciences. Dr Brown is also Senior Lecturer in Molecular Microbiology. He has a varied research background in infectious diseases, which has ranged from investigating the pathology of transmissible prion diseases through to investigating the mechanisms by which bacterial species such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and members of the Burkholderia genus interact with the host to cause infection.

Dr Brown stated: “I am delighted to be joining LSHTM as Associate Dean (Education) as the School embarks on the next phase of its education strategy. The opportunity to bring together my academic background in infectious diseases with my passion for the transformative power of relevant, high-quality education at such a world-renowned institution is particularly exciting. I am very much looking forward to working with other members of LSHTM’s new education leadership team to shape the education provision and contribute to the School’s mission to improve human health worldwide.”

Regarding the process with Society, Dr Brown commented: “The process of working with Society was wholly positive. In particular, Sabina provided exemplary support pre- and post-application. Sabina ensured that I was well prepared for the application and the subsequent interview, and I’m extremely grateful for their professional and proactive support throughout the entire recruitment process.”

Dr Brown commences his Associate Dean (Education) role in January 2025. Society wishes him all the very best in his new role.