Dundee University, Sir Alan Langlands' new domain, has just become one of the UK's 10 'select' Wellcome Trust Biocentres as a result of its work on disease research.
Sir Alan's post as principal and vicechancellor was advertised last summer, H S J was told. His salary will be 'broadly the same' as his earnings as N H S chief executive.
The£13m Wellcome Trust building will house 250 scientists researching the causes of cancer, diabetes and sleeping sickness.
The university markets itself as traditional - despite being only 30 years old - and a centre of excellence in cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry and medicine. It has 11,000 full-time students, most of whom are Scottish.
The university first became independent in 1967 after a stormy sister relationship with St Andrews.
In 1994 it merged with Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, and in 1996 it absorbed two local nursing colleges into its faculty of medicine.
The chair of the university's governing body, Larry Rolland, reflected on its big-name appointment in a statement this week.
'The university has grown greatly in size and reputation over recent years. . .we are extremely pleased Mr Langlands is coming to Dundee.'
Knight's moves - Sir Alan's CV
Sir Alan Langlands leaves his post after more than a quarter of a century's association with the health service.
He was born on 29 May 1952 and educated at Allan Glen's School and Glasgow University, where his first degree was in pure science.
Sir Alan also has a masters degree and a diploma in health service management.
He joined the NHS in Scotland as a graduate trainee in 1974, and has been unit administrator at Middlesex and University College Hospitals, and general manager of Harrow health authority. He was general manager of North West Thames regional health authority until 1991.
Since 1991 Sir Alan has also been associated with the King's Fund College, the NHS central research and development committee, and the national forum for research and development.
In 1994 he was appointed honorary professor at Warwick University business school.
He became deputy chief executive of the NHS in 1993 and chief executive in 1994. He was knighted in 1998.
Sir Alan is married with one son and one daughter, and lists his recreations in Who's Who as 'living and walking in Yorkshire'.
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