I am writing to introduce myself as the new interim director. As one of LSE’s longest serving members of staff, I am aware that some of you may already know me.

For those that do not, I have spent much of my academic career at LSE, first as a lecturer and then professor in the Geography and Environment Department, which I headed briefly before becoming deputy director of the School from 1998 to 2004. In the 1960’s I was a student here doing my BSc Econ an MPhil and later, when already on the staff, a PhD. Since 2008 I have been director of both the Grantham Research Institute on Climate change and the Environment and of the ESRC Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy, working closely with our Chairman Nick Stern and a great research team to improve our understanding of one of the most challenging issues of our time.

I have already made it clear in open letters to students and staff that Howard Davies is going to be a hard act to follow, but I have worked closely in recent weeks with all the senior management team to ensure a smooth handover. The team have worked hard to ensure that I am fully briefed and I have the support of the three experienced and excellent pro directors, so I am confident that we will keep the School on an even keel.

I will be writing a longer piece in LSE Connect, due out in June, setting out some key issues and challenges for the School. In the short-term, we must first await the Woolf report, and then absorb its findings and act on any recommendations. We must also undertake the search for a new Director.

In the meantime, I would like to thank the many alumni who have sent me letters and e-mails of support and to reassure you that my key priority is the smooth running of the School and the reaffirmation of the values that underpin our work here. I look forward to corresponding with you in the future.