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Professor Phoenix replaces Michael Gunn, vice-chancellor of Staffordshire University, who had served as Million+ chair since 2013.

The group of newer universities made the announcement following its annual meeting on 14 May.

Professor Phoenix has been vice-chancellor of London South Bank since January 2014, having previously served as deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire for six years, where he was instrumental in creating Uclan¡¯s first overseas research institute in China as well as its branch campus in Cyprus.

The biochemist said Million+ ¡°is well-placed to respond to the agenda of the new government in Westminster whilst also working with our university members in Scotland¡±.

He paid tribute to Professor Gunn and Michael Driscoll, the vice-chancellor of Middlesex University and another former chair, ¡°for their leadership of Million+ and their commitment to higher education and research. They have ensured that governments of all colours have recognised the value and benefits to individuals and the economy of supporting a world-class university system.¡±

Million+ bills itself as a ¡°university think-tank¡± and currently has 18 ¡°affiliates¡±.

john.morgan@tesglobal.com