Professor Monica Grady named as Liverpool Hope University’s new Chancellor

Leading space expert Professor Monica Grady is to become Liverpool Hope University’s new Chancellor.

Professor Grady is Professor of Planetary and Space Science at The Open University and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa by Liverpool Hope during the Summer 2019 Graduation celebrations. As well as working for the European Space Agency and having an asteroid named after her, Professor Grady was made a CBE in 2012 for services to space sciences.

Revd Canon Peter Winn, Chair and Pro Chancellor of Liverpool Hope’s University Council, said: “The University Council is delighted that Professor Monica Grady has agreed to become our Chancellor.

“Professor Grady is a world-renowned space scientist and a person of profound and humane faith who understands the ethos of this special place. We are looking forward to working with her in the coming years.”

Professor Gerald J Pillay, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of Liverpool Hope University, added: “Professor Grady brings to the chancellorship her gifts of friendliness, humility and a deep commitment to social justice and scholarly excellence. She is involved in many community initiatives including in her local church community. We look forward to welcoming her to the Hope community as a great role model for our students.”

Commenting on her new role, Professor Grady said: “I’m greatly honoured to be appointed Liverpool Hope University’s Chancellor and look forward to visiting the University and learning more about this remarkable ecumenical institution, with it’s mission of education of mind and spirit. I feel that my role at Liverpool Hope will match very well with the mission of my current institution – to be open to people, places, methods and ideas.

“When I visited in June to receive my Honorary Degree, I was shown around the University and heard about the history of its foundation. I was really impressed by how the two Archbishops – Sheppard and Worlock – worked together to establish Europe’s only ecumenical foundation. Liverpool Hope University is a really great example of how Christianity when it works, can work well.”

Professor Grady will be will be installed the next Chancellor at the University’s Foundation Day Service in January.