London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has announced the appointment of Larry Kramer as its eighteenth President and Vice Chancellor. Currently serving as the President of

the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Larry Kramer is a distinguished scholar in constitutional law and history.

Larry Kramer's tenure as LSE's President and Vice Chancellor is set to begin formally in April 2024. Prior to his current role, he held prominent positions, including Richard E. Lang Professor of Law and Dean of Stanford Law School from 2004 to 2012, and Associate Dean for Research and Academics and Russell D Niles Professor at New York University Law School from 1994 to 2004. His academic career includes professorships at the University of Chicago Law School and University of Michigan Law School, and he has served as a Visiting Professor at Columbia Law School and Harvard Law School.

Being a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the American Philosophical Society, Larry Kramer boasts an impressive bibliography of articles and books, including "The People Themselves: Popular Constitutionalism and Judicial Review." He is also actively involved in civic education, chairing the board of iCivics, a non-profit organization, and serving on the boards of several other non-profit organizations, such as the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the ClimateWorks Foundation.

Susan Liautaud, LSE's Chair of Council, expressed enthusiasm over Larry Kramer's appointment, praising him as an exceptional and visionary leader and scholar. She is confident that his vast experience and expertise will drive LSE towards its mission of exploring the causes of societal challenges. Larry Kramer's leadership will steer the institution's ambitious strategy in research, education, and global impact, while positioning the social sciences in the rapidly evolving contemporary context.

Larry Kramer expressed his excitement about the opportunity to lead LSE, emphasizing the critical role of institutions like LSE in producing research, scholars, and leaders to tackle global challenges. He acknowledged the School's strong legacy of intellectual excellence and international influence and considers it a tremendous honor to work alongside the LSE community to uphold its founding mission.

Until Larry Kramer assumes his new position in 2024, Professor Eric Neumayer will continue to serve as the Interim President and Vice Chancellor. The rigorous selection process that led to Larry Kramer's appointment was commended by LSE, and they extend their gratitude to all members of the LSE community who contributed to the process. photo by Umezo KAMATA, Wikimedia commons.