Professor Humphris will succeed Julian Crampton, who is retiring after 10 years in charge at the university.

The academic, who originally qualified as a nurse, leaves Imperial after overseeing its teaching and learning strategy for the past three years, firstly as pro-rector for education and then vice-provost (education).

She was previously pro vice-chancellor (education and student experience) at the University of Southampton from 2008, where she was also professor of health care development.

Professor Humphris, who gained a PhD in 1999 on how policy is implemented into clinical practice, said she was ¡°delighted¡± to be Brighton¡¯s next vice-chancellor.

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¡°This is a successful institution with a very exciting future and I look forward to working with students, the students¡¯ union and with staff as we step up to the next level.¡±

Brighton has 21,000 students at five campuses stretching across the city and nearby Eastbourne and Hastings.

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The university's chancellor, Lord Mogg, said Professor Humphris had a ¡°wealth of experience and skills as an innovator with a proven track record of delivering high-quality results and with a driven commitment to ensuring a first-class student experience¡±.

Professor Humphris, who will take over the role in December, is the third new female vice-chancellor to be announced in recent weeks.

With the universities of Derby and Salford also appointing female vice-chancellors, it will mean, that out of 133 institutions that are members of Universities UK, 22 will be led by women.

jack.grove@tesglobal.com