Professor Barry F. A. Quinn has been elected Vice President of the National Conference of University Professors (NCUP), becoming the first dentist to hold this office. The role positions him to assume the Presidency of the organisation in two years’ time. The election took place at the NCUP Annual General Meeting on 17 February 2026, following the Annual Education Lecture.
The NCUP is a long‑established, non‑political learned society and registered charity that represents professors and senior academics across the United Kingdom. Founded in 1989, it exists to support the professoriate in maintaining academic standards, to provide a collective voice on matters affecting the UK university system, and to promote informed debate about higher education policy and practice. Central to its mission are improving public understanding of universities, fostering dialogue between academia and policymakers, and disseminating informed commentary on issues of national and international relevance to higher education.
In his new role as Vice President, Professor Quinn will work closely with the NCUP Council and officers to advance these aims, supporting the organisation’s programme of lectures, seminars, policy responses and public engagement. The Vice Presidency traditionally serves as preparation for the Presidency, ensuring continuity of leadership and strategic direction.
The AGM followed the NCUP Annual Education Lecture, delivered this year by Professor Parveen Ali FFPH FNCUP FAAN, entitled “Speaking Truth to Power: Professors, Public Scholarship and Gender‑Based Violence”. The lecture was held at The Gordon Museum of Pathology, Guy’s Campus, King’s College London.
The NCUP’s programme of high‑profile events also includes its Annual House of Lords Luncheon, which will take place on 5 May 2026. This year’s speaker will be Lord Young of Acton, addressing the topic “Free Speech in UK Universities”. These events reflect the NCUP’s ongoing commitment to engaging with senior policymakers and contributing to national debate on the future of higher education. Further details, including registration information, are available via the NCUP website.
Professor Quinn’s election reflects both his standing within the academic community and his commitment to the values of scholarship, academic leadership and public service that underpin the work of the NCUP. His progression to the Presidency will further strengthen the organisation’s ability to contribute thoughtfully and constructively to debates about the future of UK higher education, while also marking a significant milestone for the dental academic community.
“I am honoured to be elected Vice President of the NCUP and to represent dentistry within the wider professoriate at a national level,” Professor Quinn said. “The Conference plays an important role in supporting academic standards and providing an independent, collective voice for higher education.”
— Professor Barry F. A. Quinn