Professor Sykes, who has been working at the University in a similar capacity on a temporary contract, is well known as a presenter of TV science programmes including Rough Science and Alternative Medicine: The Evidence.

Earlier this month she was awarded the prestigious Royal Society Kohn Award for her work in encouraging a better understanding between scientists and public audiences.

Professor Sykes said: "I'm so pleased to have won this permanent role. We've made a great start in this field at Bristol, and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the University to take the work forward. The scope for rich and lively dialogue with many different communities who have or might have an interest in and an influence on our research is immense and very exciting."

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Thomas, said: "The fact that we've created a permanent professorship of this kind is a measure of the importance we attach to public engagement. Kathy is exactly the right person to help Bristol take this agenda forward."