New dean for Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine

SINGAPORE — Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the Imperial College of London announced today (July 7) that they have appointed Professor James Best to be the next Dean of the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

In a joint statement, the varsities said Prof Best will assume the position on July 29, replacing the outgoing Prof Dermot Kelleher. Prof Best is currently the Head of Medical School at the University of Melbourne in Australia, and has 30 years’ experience in research, teaching and medical leadership.

“Prof Best has an outstanding track record, including leadership at Australia’s highest achieving medical school for research. He also has advanced experience in medical research funding through his engagement at the National Health and Medical Research Council in Canberra. This stands him in good stead to take medical training in NTU to new heights,” said NTU President Bertil Andersson.

The outgoing Prof Kelleher has been Dean of both Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine for the past two years. He will retain his position as Imperial’s Vice-President (Health), and will work together with Prof Best to ensure both institutions “will continue to be closely and strategically aligned”, according to the statement. CHANNEL NEWSASIA