The University of Malawi has a new Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert G. Ridley replacing Prof. L.A. Kamwanja who retired on 30th April, 2011. Dr. Ridley commenced his duties on 6th September, 2011.

Prior to his arrival Dr. Ridley worked for the World Health Organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland where he was Director of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases.

Dr. Ridley is not new to the University of Malawi as his first job after graduating with a PhD in Organic Chemistry at the University of Wolverhampton was that of Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at Chancellor College from 1980 to 1983.

Dr. Ridley, a British and Australian National is a Scientist with international achievements and innovations in research, education and health in both the public and private sectors.

He has also held positions at McMaster University in Canada, University of Edinburgh in Scotland and F. Hoffmann – La Roche AG in Switzerland. He has published extensively on malaria drug and vaccine development, pharmacetical innovation and public private partnership.