Professor Koen Lamberts has told Vision of his aims and ambitions after the University announced that the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of Warwick University will succeed Professor Brian Cantor as the Vice-Chancellor at York.
Professor Lamberts has said he is “enormously proud to be chosen to lead this great University,” while the Chair of University Council, Sir Chris O’Donnell, commented that Lamberts is a “talented leader with a strong commitment to excellence in learning, research and knowledge transfer.” 
Vision: What do you understand the role of Vice Chancellor to be? That is, what will be your priorities at York?
Lamberts: The Vice Chancellor is the chief academic and administrative officer of the University. He or she is there to provide leadership, but to do so in a way that is inclusive, supportive and inspiring for colleagues and students alike. My top priorities will be (1) ensuring that the experience we offer our students is really outstanding; (2) supporting the academic community to undertake world-class research; and (3) enhancing the University’s reputation locally, nationally and internationally.
Vision: Both Warwick and York are universities under 50 years old (2013 being, of course, York’s 50th year). Is it exciting to be leading such a young institution?
Lamberts: Yes, it’s very exciting and a huge honour. York is an outstanding University which has achieved a lot in its relatively short history. It attracts excellent students and staff, and has very strong foundations on which to build. It has a reputation for being a cohesive community with a strong commitment to fairness, equality and open debate – all of which I find very appealing.
Vision: How do you plan to help restore York’s ‘top-ten’ ranking reputation?
Lamberts: My priority will be to ensure that the University aspires to and achieves the highest possible standards in every sphere of activity. I want it to remain a really ambitious and dynamic institution, with lots of appetite for innovation. If that results in a top-ten place in UK league tables (which I certainly hope), then good and well, but I do not believe it is healthy to obsess too much about league tables.
Vision: Are you looking to immediately change a certain aspect of the University – structurally, perhaps – on arrival?
Lamberts: I won’t be rushing into any changes in the first months – the priority will be on getting to know and understand the University of York better. That will include meeting as many students as I can.
Vision: Do you think the Government’s drop in higher education funding will affect York? 
Lamberts: York is a well-managed institution and its finances are sound. Going forward, the University’s funding is secure for the next two years, but no one can be sure what will happen to public finances from 2015. Consequently, one of my priorities will be to make sure that the University is in a strong position to weather any storms that may come and also to invest in the student experience, the estate and the research infrastructure.
Vision: How important is the alumni set-up at the University?
Lamberts: It’s very important. York already has 89 alumni clubs world-wide, and there are more to come. We want to ensure that our alumni genuinely feel part of the York family throughout their lives. They can play a crucial role as advocates for York, as participants in our employability agenda, and, if they wish, as benefactors.
Vision: Nouse or Vision?
Lamberts: [Climbs on fence] I’m very impressed by the quality of both newspapers and by your success in national competitions – long may it continue. You both have an important role to play.
Vision: Everyone at York can expect to see plenty throughout their time here, so what is your favourite type of waterfowl?!
Lamberts: Mallards, of course. They’re pleasant and cheerful creatures with a good quack. All the other species have issues – mallards don’t. I love them.
Don’t trust him, this man is a replicant.
His eyes are gazing into my soul.