A new Dean of Health has been appointed to develop
the University of Essex’s role in delivering health education and research in partnership with the NHS.

Professor John Clibbens joins Essex from the University of Plymouth. This new role involves developing a strategy and vision for health-related teaching and research at the University, in particular by co-ordinating health-related research across the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Professor Clibbens will also facilitate the University’s research links with the NHS and other bodies that support health research and continue to maintain good relationships between the University and the Strategic Health Authority, Foundation Trusts, Primary Care Trusts and other NHS links.

Professor Clibbens said: ‘I am delighted to be joining the University of Essex as the new Dean of Health. Essex is a superb university, and one that already has significant strengths in health and related areas. I look forward to working with new colleagues at the University, and to engaging with external partners to develop further education and research in this field’.

At the University of Plymouth, John Clibbens was a Professor of Applied Developmental Psychology and has served as Head of the Department of Psychology, Head of the School of Clinical Psychology, Head of the School of Applied Psychosocial Studies and Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Work.

Professor Clibbens has published extensively, with his research interests covering language and related cognitive processes in children and adults. He is a member of the Council of Deans of Health, the British Psychological Society, the Royal Society of Medicine, the Linguistics Association of Great Britain and the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Dr Tony Rich, Registrar and Secretary, said: ‘In order for the University to continue to build a strong reputation for quality and excellence in the provision of clinical professional education, and to meet the requirements of our local stakeholders and partners in the development of their clinical workforce, we are delighted to have appointed Professor John Clibbens as Dean of Health’.

Ends

Notes to editors:
The attached photograph is of Professor John Clibbens, who joins the University of Essex as the Dean of Health.