All change in Yorkshire as three new heads prepare to take up the reins

Higher education in Yorkshire is set for a dynamic shift in leadership with the announcement this week of three new vice-chancellors at Bradford, Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam universities, writes Anthea Lipsett.

In a rare move from a new to an old university, Mark Cleary, deputy vice-chancellor (academic) at Plymouth University, will become Bradford's vice-chancellor and principal in May 2007, taking over from Chris Taylor. Professor Cleary said he was "thrilled" and was looking forward to the challenge: "Bradford has the strength and confidence to establish a national and international position of excellence."

Keith Burnett, a physicist from Oxford University, will take over from Bob Boucher at Sheffield in December 2007. Professor Burnett has been at Oxford for 20 years. He is head of the division of mathematical, physical and life sciences, where he revamped research strategy. He also served on the working party responsible for the failed governance reforms.

Philip Jones becomes Sheffield Hallam's vice-chancellor in August 2007, taking over from Diana Green. He is now deputy vice-chancellor and sub-warden of Durham University.

He said: "Sheffield Hallam has considerable potential to play an increasingly significant role in enriching its home region."