Brian Cantor is to step down as vice-chancellor of the University of Bradford.

The move comes after criticism of the university¡¯s plans for around 160 staff redundancies, which prompted Unison members at the institution to vote in favour of strike action. There has also been concern about falling student numbers, while a motion of no confidence has been passed by the University and College Union branch, the local .

Professor Cantor will leave at the end of the academic year in 2019 and take up a role as an emeritus professor at the University of Oxford.

He is a former professor of materials and head of mathematical and physical sciences at the University of Oxford, as well as a former vice-chancellor of the University of York.

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Baroness Ann Taylor, chair of Bradford¡¯s council, praised ¡°the work that Brian has done in recent years to enhance the university¡¯s reputation and to place it in the right position to face the future challenges in higher education¡±.

She added: ¡°It is an increasingly difficult time for everyone in this sector and we will miss Brian¡¯s experience and wisdom.¡±

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Professor Cantor said: ¡°When I moved to Bradford, we agreed a plan of renewing the university¡¯s self-confidence as one of Britain¡¯s first technology universities, enhancing the academic and managerial quality of the university, and then moving into investment-led growth.

¡°We have made great strides in the first two, but we have had to put growth on hold because of difficult external circumstances, leading to the management changes currently underway.?I want to help see through these changes, which are essential for the future strength of the university.¡±

john.morgan@timeshighereducation.com