Merger to shift focus

The merger of Manchester University and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology will produce a "fundamentally different" institution focusing on interdisciplinary research structures, according to Norman Askew, who will be its chair of governors.

Mr Askew said that the merged institution, which this week announced the appointment of four deans to head its new faculties, would overturn many of the existing structures and regulations as changes gathered momentum.

Alan Gilbert, the president and vice-chancellor, is due to arrive from the Melbourne University on February 16, ahead of the university's launch in October.