Oxford professor Susan Greenfield was controversially removed from her post as director of the Royal Institute last week after the position was scrapped following a “governance review”.
Greenfield, who is currently professor of Synaptic Pharmacology at Lincoln College, has been in the role at the RI since 1998. Her 18 year contract was not due to run out until 2016.
It is understood that the Institute could no longer afford the position due to financial difficulties. The charity is reportedly struggling with £3m worth of debt brought on by the expensive refurbishment of the RI’s base in Mayfair.
Greenfield was the first woman in the job, and has been widely praised for freshening up the image of the prestigious scientific institution.
