Cancer Research UK have announced that Professor Sir Lezsek Borysiewicz, Cambridge University’s Vice-Chancellor, will become their Chairman from November 1st.

The university’s 345th Vice-Chancellor will take over from Michael Pragnell, who has served two three-year terms at the charity, but will continue in his position at the university until September 2017.

Borysiewicz, a Cardiff-born immunologist, has himself been a beneficiary of Cancer Research UK’s funding. He received his knighthood in 2001 for research into a vaccine for human papillomavirus to prevent cervical cancer, which is now a routine medical procedure for teenage girls in the UK.

He had a distinguished academic career prior to his appointment at Cambridge, serving in a number of senior roles including Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council and Deputy Rector of Imperial College London.

Borysiewicz told Business Weekly: “It is an honour to be asked to chair this vital charity. My entire career has been dedicated to making a difference, through medical research and through leading major academic institutions tackling global problems.

“Cancer Research UK's drive to save lives through research makes a real difference to countless people and families every day. I am delighted that I will be able to play a small part in helping it fulfil its life-saving mission.”

It remains unclear who will replace Borysiewicz, but according to recent revelations in Varsity, his successor will receive a substantial pay hike. Reserved minutes acquired by Varsity show that the Remuneration Committee have proposed a salary range of “£400k-£450k”, a potential pay rise of 38 per cent.