Professor David Patterson has been confirmed as the new head of the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG). He takes over from Peter Robbins who led the department with great success since 2011. David’s research area is in cardiac neuroscience. He is currently Deputy Head of the Division of Medical Sciences and Professor of Physiology. He chairs the Division's Education Committee, is a member of the executive committee of the BHF Centre of Research Excellence at Oxford, and was a member of a National REF2014 panel. David reiterated his commitment to neuroscience research saying it was ‘a very high priority for me’.
In other developments Nigel Emptage, a well-known figure in the Oxford Neuroscience community, has been confirmed as the new head of the Dept of Pharmacology. Nigel is well placed to take this role having been acting head of department since Antony Galione went on sabbatical in January 2015. In addition, Irene Tracey, another well-known figure, takes over from Christopher Kennard as the Head of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences. Irene was previously director of FMRIB. Our best wishes to them all!