Peter Mathieson to step down as Principal of Edinburgh University after decade of turmoil
Sir Peter made the unexpected announcement at Tuesday’s meeting of the university court
Sir Peter Mathieson is to step down from his post at the University of Edinburgh after a decade of leadership marked by financial turmoil.
The Principal and Vice-Chancellor will not seek a third term as leader of the institution, having taken on the position in February 2018.
Sharing the news on Monday with the University Court, Sir Peter said he would remain fully engaged in the role until early 2028.
He said: “It has been my immense privilege to lead two of the world’s great universities.
“Every decision that I have made, and those of the executive teams I have led, have always kept the university’s best interests uppermost.
“We have always acted in good faith, believing we were doing the right things, which are very rarely the easiest things.”
On resigning, Sir Peter referenced investment in teaching and student wellbeing as a success of his tenure.
He also pointed to research and innovation successes, including securing the UK’s next national supercomputer in Edinburgh, and what the university termed “an unwavering commitment to social mobility”.
Sir Peter made headlines last year when he appeared in front of a Holyrood committee and was unable to remember his exact salary.
The university principal is believed to be paid upwards of £418,000 a year, making him the highest paid university principal in Scotland.
Controversy surrounded his acceptance of a grace-and-favour five-bedroom townhouse on one of Edinburgh’s most exclusive streets, which costs thousands in annual upkeep.
Sir Peter announced plans to cut £140 million from the university’s annual budget and has had to respond to industrial action in almost every year of his tenure.
Prior to joining the University of Edinburgh, Sir Peter was President of the University of Hong Kong, having previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Bristol.
Educated at a state school in Cornwall, he was the first in his family to attend university, where he trained as a doctor.
He received a knighthood in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to higher education.
For the past five years he has been the lead on international security for Universities UK and the Russell Group.
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In his speech to the Court he acknowledged the sector’s challenges, saying: “I am keenly aware that higher education is at a pivotal moment. At Edinburgh, we are making the tough decisions necessary to restore our university to financial sustainability and resilience for the years ahead.
“There will be plenty of time for me to thank colleagues and reflect on my time here in due course. For now, I am fully focussed on our task at hand, giving it my full attention until the last day of my tenure in around 16 months’ time.”
Following the announcement, Edinburgh University will set out plans for a recruitment campaign to appoint a successor.
A spokeswoman said the process will include consultation with staff, students and alumni and “ensure a smooth and orderly transition”.
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