Professor Rachel O'Reilly has been appointed to be the next Head of the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. She will take up her new position on 1 August 2018.

Appointed by the Vice Chancellor, Sir David Eastwood, Professor O’Reilly will replace the current Head of Chemistry, Professor Jon Preece. Reflecting on Professor O'Reilly's appointment, Professor Andy Schofield, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said: "The appointment of Professor O'Reilly represents an exciting new chapter in the School of Chemistry's history. Rachel will bring to the role her first class research skills and significant experience of leading interdisciplinary teams.

"I would like to thank Professor Preece for his effective leadership of the School of Chemistry, particularly in securing University investment in the new Molecular Sciences Building and new staff. This is a fantastic platform upon which the School will flourish.”

Rachel was born in Holywood, Northern Ireland and earned her first degree from the University of Cambridge, before going on to complete her PhD at Imperial College, London in 2003. Her research targets the design, synthesis and application of uniquely derived polymeric materials. Rachel has worked at institutions in the UK and the USA. In 2018, she moved from Warwick University to Birmingham to take up the position of Chair of Chemistry, where she leads the Rachel O'Reilly Group.