Prof Dame Sally Davies to step down to take up new role at Cambridge University college

Prof Dame Sally Davies is to leave her post as England’s chief medical officer to become the first female master of one of Cambridge University’s most prestigious colleges, it has been announced.

Davies, who has held the position of chief medical officer for nine years, has been appointed by the Queen as master of Trinity College, Cambridge University, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

It is the first time the job has gone to a woman. Davies was also the first female chief medical officer for England. She will quit that role at the end of September and take up her new position in October.

Davies previously worked for 30 years in the NHS as a consultant haematologist. She was also the director general of research and development for the NHS and helped to create Genomics England.

She said: “I want to pay tribute to the outstanding clinicians, scientists and public servants who have supported me in this role – men and women who are working tirelessly to improve the health of the nation.

“It has been an honour to be the first female chief medical officer. I have enjoyed it from the start and I will continue to do so right up until I finish. I am delighted to be appointed as the master of Trinity College following a distinguished list of predecessors and as the first woman.”

She added: “I can assure everyone that I will continue contributing to the global fight against [antimicrobial resistance] from my new role.”

The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said Davies had been a dedicated public servant and a driving force in health.

“She has led the fight against antibiotic resistance and public health risks, and has pioneered world-leading action across a whole range of areas,” he said. “She’s been not just England’s chief medical officer but led thinking around the world. Sally has been an inspiration to us all and I’m sure has a huge amount still to contribute in the future.”

Trinity, which was founded by Henry VIII, is one of Cambridge’s wealthiest colleges.