The University has been tasked with developing a financial recovery plan which could include the loss of 700 jobs, with staff balloted over strike action.
A team of experts from across academia, industry and local and national government will be appointed to advise the university on its future and its impact across the city region.
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Sir Alan Langlands, formerly chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the NHS in England, will chair the University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce, which will also include representation from the University, Dundee City Council, business, trades unions, local further and higher education institutions and the Scottish Government.
Education secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “We are establishing this Taskforce to ensure the University of Dundee has all the important advice and expertise needed to recover and build a strong, secure and sustainable future.
“The impact of the University’s teaching and world-leading research is profound, and its success is interwoven with the success of the Dundee city region. Ministers are determined that the institution – with a vibrant community of staff and students at its heart – will thrive long into the future.
“We will draw on the expertise of the taskforce to identify credible solutions and do everything possible to protect the interests of current and future students and staff. We will take account of all potential sources of funding and support, and we will continue to carefully consider any further asks of Government.”
Sir Alan Langlands said: “It is a privilege to chair the University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce, and to advise ministers, the University, the Scottish Funding Council and the city on this important matter.
“These are very challenging times for a great many universities. At its core Dundee is a great university in a great city, transforming people’s lives and life chances through education, research and innovation, and contributing so much to the economic, social and cultural life of the city and beyond.
“The Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring its long term future and impact, and protecting the interests of students and staff provides a strong foundation for the work of the taskforce.”
Professor Shane O’Neill, interim principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Dundee, said: “We welcome the announcement of the Strategic Advisory Taskforce and the appointment of Sir Alan Langlands as its chair.
“Sir Alan of course has a longstanding connection to the University of Dundee and a strong understanding of its importance to the city, Scotland and the wider higher education and research environment.
“We are committed to engaging fully with the Taskforce to ensure the future success and sustainability of the university.”
