Professor Paul Lunn will step down from his role as Dean of the School of Veterinary Sciences at the end of March 2026.
A 1982 Liverpool veterinary graduate, Professor Lunn spent much of his career in veterinary academic practice in the USA before returning to Liverpool to take up the role of Dean in 2022.
During his tenure, he led an intensive period of strategic planning that underpinned successful reaccreditation reviews by three national, European, and international professional accreditation bodies. International accreditation, in particular, strengthened the School’s global standing and supported growth in its international student community.
Under Professor Lunn’s leadership, the School’s facilities were significantly enhanced, including the establishment of a new home on the Liverpool campus in the Waterhouse Veterinary Teaching Hub. The new strategic plan also initiated a major curricular review alongside a range of initiatives designed to increase community engagement.
International development was also a key focus. A major partnership with the Emirate of Sharjah led to the creation of a new College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Al Dhaid, which welcomed its first cohort of students in 2025.
The School’s profile and reputation grew substantially during Professor Lunn’s time as Dean. In 2024, it achieved a #1 ranking in the National Student Survey and was ranked #1 for Veterinary Science in the Times UK University Rankings 2024–25. In 2025, it was ranked #11 globally for Veterinary Science in the QS World University Rankings.
Following his departure as Dean, Professor Lunn will continue to work at the University as the School’s Director for International Partnerships.
Professor Mark Senior, Joint Interim Dean of the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences and incoming Dean of the School of Veterinary Sciences, said: “I would like to thank Paul for his outstanding leadership of the School of Veterinary Sciences during a period of major strategic development. His leadership on strategy, accreditation, facilities and international partnerships has strengthened the School’s national and international reputation and laid a strong foundation for its continued growth and future success.”
Professor Senior will take up the role of Dean of the School on 1 April 2026.