The University of Edinburgh have confirmed that Professor Peter Mathieson will become the next Principal and Vice Chancellor of the university.

Professor Mathieson will move from his current role as President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hong Kong, which he has held since April 2014.

Before moving to Hong Kong, he worked as the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Bristol. He also served as Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences as well as chairing the Research Grant Committee of Kidney Research UK.

Commenting on his appointment Professor Mathieson said: "I now look forward to leading the University of Edinburgh forward into its next chapter. Like Hong Kong, Edinburgh is a truly global institution with a great reputation for excellence in teaching and research.

"Working together with students, staff and supporters, I am confident we can build on that reputation in the future – during what are exciting and challenging times in the world of Higher Education."

Professor Mathieson will take over from Professor Timothy O'Shea who has held the position as Principal and Vice-Chancellor for 15 years. Mr Mathieson is expected to take over the role in late 2017 or early 2018, although the University have yet to confirm his exact start date.