Professor Brady became Bristol’s 13th Vice-Chancellor in September 2015, taking over from Professor Sir Eric Thomas.
Under his leadership, the University has implemented an ambitious strategic plan, with a focus on pursuing new research, becoming a sector-leader in sustainability and civic initiatives, and investing significantly in the student experience.
Professor Brady said: "It has been an unparalleled privilege to lead this great university, to work alongside brilliant and committed colleagues and students, and to collaborate with our world-class partners here in Bristol, across the UK and globally.
"Looking to the future, we have clear ambitions to build on our success as a research-rich institution that is globally competitive but also focused on its civic responsibilities.
"Our university is ready to take on the opportunities and challenges of a post-pandemic future, and it has been an honour to have played a part in its success."
The University of Bristol’s key achievements under the leadership of Professor Brady have included:
- Implementing an ambitious strategic plan to guide the future direction of the University, including a strong focus on the University’s role as a civic institution, as exemplified by the Bristol Scholars programme to recruit students from the city.
- Strengthening research and innovation ties with the region’s industries, creative sector and civic institutions; this has included securing significant research funding and financial support for a number of key initiatives such as sector-leading Doctoral Training Centres and the new Temple Quarter Enterprise campus.
- Taking a stance as one of the leading universities responding to the climate crisis by delivering sector-leading fossil free divestment targets, pledging to become a net carbon neutral campus by 2030, and investing millions in energy-saving technologies.
- Ensuring the University is in a position of financial strength to invest for the future.
Sir Paul Nurse, the University's Chancellor, paid tribute to Professor Brady's achievements and said: "Professor Brady has delivered outstanding leadership to our university, guided by a bold strategic plan which has seen the University pursue new teaching and research initiatives, invest in new facilities and infrastructure projects, while strengthening its position as a research-intensive university."
Jack Boyer, Chair of the University's Board of Trustees, said that Professor Brady had ensured the University 'is well placed to address the demands and opportunities of the future'.
He added: "As a strong advocate of partnership and collaboration, Professor Brady has driven the University’s economic, social and cultural contribution to the Bristol region – a focus that will continue with the current leadership team.
"The University of Bristol's international activity, reach and global prominence have also grown rapidly, with partnerships and collaborative agreements across the globe. Professor Brady has made an enormous contribution to securing a very positive future for our university, to supporting the higher education sector more widely, and to the city of Bristol.
"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Professor Brady. Imperial is gaining an outstanding leader and I wish him the very best for the future."
Professor Brady will remain as Vice Chancellor & President for the next academic year before starting at Imperial College London in August 2022. The University will immediately commence a global search for a new Vice Chancellor & President.