The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) is pleased to announce that Professor David FitzPatrick, who recently joined the University of Nottingham as Pro-Vice Chancellor at University of Nottingham, has been appointed as the new Interim Provost and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st of June 2024. In line with formal requirements in Malaysia, this is subject to approval from the Ministry of Higher Education.

Professor FitzPatrick brings a wealth of experience in both industry and academic leadership as well as a distinguished academic career, aligning perfectly with UNM’s mission to provide world-class education and research opportunities in Malaysia. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter of growth and excellence for the university.

Prior to this appointment, Professor FitzPatrick served as the President of Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) in Ireland. During his tenure, he was instrumental in driving the institution’s strategic initiatives, enhancing research capabilities, and fostering international collaborations. His leadership at TU Dublin led to significant advancements in research output, student engagement, and global partnerships.

In his new role, Professor FitzPatrick will oversee all aspects of the university’s operations, including academic programmes, research activities, and community engagement. He will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and partners to advance the university’s mission of delivering world-class education and research in Malaysia and beyond.

Professor FitzPatrick expressed his enthusiasm for joining UNM, stating: "I am honoured to take on the role of Interim Provost and CEO at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. UNM has a strong reputation for academic excellence, innovative research, and a vibrant student community. I look forward to working with the talented faculty, dedicated staff, and ambitious students to build on this success and to lead the university into an exciting future."

Professor David FitzPatrick holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Trinity College Dublin, and a doctorate in biomechanics from the University of Oxford. After receiving his doctorate, Professor David FitzPatrick worked in the orthopaedic industry, initially with Howmedica International Ltd. in Limerick, followed by a career with DePuy International in Leeds. His work with DePuy International included managing product development, strategy and research programmes for knee, upper limb, trauma and spinal product lines. 

In 1998, Professor FitzPatrick returned to Ireland to University College Dublin (UCD)’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2005, Associate Professor in 2010 and full Professor in 2012. He served as Head of the School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering from September 2005 to August 2011, followed by a period as Vice Principal for Internationalisation & Development in the College of Engineering and Architecture. Having been appointed by UCD as the inaugural Provost of the Beijing-Dublin International College in 2012, he led the development of Ireland’s largest dual-degree programme initiative in China and continued in that role while holding the post of Principal (Faculty Dean) of UCD’s College of Engineering & Architecture and member of UCD’s University Management Team, from 2014 to 2018, taking up his role as President, TU Dublin, on 1 January 2019.

His research has focused primarily on areas linked to orthopaedic mechanics and medical device design, particularly relating to the knee joint and spine. Professor FitzPatrick has published extensively in peer-review journals and major international conference proceedings. His work has been recognised with the International Society of Biomechanics Clinical Biomechanics Award (2003) and the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland (RAMI) Haughton Lecture & RAMI Silver Medal (2017). 

The University of Nottingham Malaysia welcomes Professor FitzPatrick and is confident that his leadership will further strengthen the university’s commitment to providing a transnational educational experience and making a positive impact on society.

Twitter