Anglia Ruskin University has appointed a new Dean to drive its newly-named Faculty of Health and Social Care (FHSC) which is formed from the recent merger of the former Institute of Health and Social Care (IHSC) with the Homerton School of Health Studies (HSHS). The newly enlarged Faculty offers a wide range of courses including Nursing and Midwifery, and Primary and Social Care. With over 8,000 students, and a budget of over £28m, it is now the largest graduate provider of health education in the East of England.

Professor David Humber will join Anglia Ruskin University - now ranked the 13th largest university in the country with its 28,000 students and over 1,000 academic staff - as the new Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care in August. He is currently the Head of the School of Health and Bioscience at the University of East London and has held a variety of senior roles at UEL since 1997.

Professor Humber obtained his first degree from the University of Southampton and his PhD from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, University of London. He then worked as a Researcher and Associate Professor in the UK, Kenya and Ethiopia for 13 years before joining UEL.

His research interests are in biomedical research looking at the immunology of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis, leprosy and leishmaniasis (a parasitic disease spread through bites from sandflies). He currently supervises several PhD students working on sociological aspects of health and has taught at all levels from Certificate in Midwifery through to PhD supervision.

In his current role, Professor Humber has overseen significant growth and diversification of income streams including the recruitment of substantial numbers of international students (+300%), he has overseen capital projects (£7m new clinical education building) and has managed several major institutional reorganisations.

He has also won new contracts in Podiatry, engaged in curriculum renewal and has developed a number of strategic partnerships with NHS, Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) and other Health, Sports and Exercise 0rganisations. He has also acted as a Board member on the North East London SHA.