Professor Ludwig Neyes has been designated as the University of Luxembourg’s next vice chancellor of research, the university announced Monday.

Since 2001 the physician has taught, conducted research and treated patients at the University of Manchester, Britain’s largest medical school, where he holds a chair at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences. During his tenure there, Neyes notably launched the “‘European Option’ programme, which is a unique course at Manchester in which students take intensive courses in Medical German, French or Spanish and in their 5th year are then sent to our partner universities” in France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, according to his official British bio.

“We are convinced that Ludwig Neyses, with his very diverse university experience garnered in many countries, his mastery of several languages ​​and his extraordinary interest in Luxembourg, will fit in perfectly with the international character of the university’s management team,” Rolf Tarrach, the University of Luxembourg’s chancellor, said in a statement.

Prior to working in the UK, Neyses was a professor at University Hospital of Würzburg. He studied medicine at universities in Mainz, Montpellier and London, and trained at hospitals in Michigan, North Carolina and Zurich. His research focuses on cellular biology, and he has carried out clinical studies funded by the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation.

A native of Rheinland, Neyes is fluent in German, French and English, and also speaks Spanish. “What has particularly impressed me at the University of Luxembourg is its cultural diversity, the successful development of a research-oriented university and the close contacts that link professors and students,” he said in the university’s statement.

Nominations of vice chancellors are confirmed by the ministry of higher education and research. The official appointment date has not yet been announced, a university spokeswoman told Delano on Monday.

If confirmed, Neyes will begin a five year term in April 2013, succeeding Dr. Luciënne Blessing.