Faculty of Medicine Interim Dean makes appointment permanent

Professor Deborah Ashby has been appointed Dean of the Faculty of Medicine for five years, effective from 1st January 2024.

She has served as Interim Dean since 1st August 2023, following the retirement of her predecessor, Professor Jonathan Weber.

Ashby is a statistician who served as Director of Imperial’s School of Public Health until her appointment as Interim Dean.

‘She led the department to be a major global player in the COVID-19 pandemic response,’ said Provost Ian Walmsley.

In 2009, she was awarded the OBE for services to medicine, and from 2019 to 2020, was President of the Royal Statistical Society.

‘I’ve really enjoyed myself during my time as Interim Dean,’ she said upon her appointment. ‘So, when the option came to take on the role on a substantive basis of five years, I leapt at the opportunity.’

Ashby praised Imperial’s expertise across faculties and its ‘hugely well-connected community’, calling for collaboration ‘across disciplines’. 

‘Teaching is of course vital to who we are,’ she added, saying, ‘It’s key that we foster the best culture and environment to support [students]’.