With more than 15 years’ experience delivering high-impact global portfolios in higher education, Professor Li joins Newcastle from the University of Exeter, where she is currently Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

At Newcastle, she will provide academic leadership across Newcastle’s global portfolio, ensuring delivery against strategic goals and strengthen the University’s international profile and partnerships. She will also oversee Newcastle’s global campuses in Malaysia and Singapore, drive international recruitment and collaboration, and ensure the University’s commitments to sustainability and equality, diversity and inclusion remain at the heart of its global ambitions.

At Exeter, Professor Li led major international initiatives, including the establishment of the Exeter–Tsinghua Joint Institute for Global Humanities, a flagship UK–China partnership promoting interdisciplinary research and education. A Professor of Applied Linguistics, Professor Li holds honorary distinguished professorships at Zhejiang University of Technology and Wuhan University in China. She has published widely on global education, intercultural teacher learning and  technology-enhanced education.

She also serves as Deputy Secretary-General of the UK–China Humanities Alliance, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration between leading global universities. She is also a strong advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, serving as a sponsor of the 100 Black Women Professors Scheme.

Professor Li will take up the post from January 2026.

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Li Li said: “I am both honoured and delighted to be joining Newcastle University as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global. Newcastle is a globally connected university with a distinguished international reputation and a deep commitment to excellence in research, education and civic engagement. It is inspiring to be part of such an ambitious and forward-looking community, dedicated to driving meaningful and tangible change locally and globally. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners around the world to strengthen our global networks, enhance collaboration, and create new opportunities for students and staff.”

Professor Chris Day, President and Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Li Li as our new Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global. She brings exceptional experience in building impactful international partnerships and a deep understanding of how universities can connect and collaborate on a global scale.

“Her vision and leadership will help us take the next steps in realising our global ambitions – expanding our reach, enhancing our impact, and ensuring that Newcastle University continues to play a leading role in shaping a better future worldwide.”