She will be the first woman to hold the post and her appointment comes in the 40th anniversary year of co-education at the College. Dame Sally will be the College's 39th Master, succeeding Sir Gregory Winter, who has led the College since 2012.

Speaking of her appointment, she said: "It truly is a privilege and an honour to be appointed Master of Trinity, especially to be the first female Master. I am excited to get started and to continue building the prestigious legacy of this inspiring College."

Currently the Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Advisor to the UK government, Dame Sally is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. She was made Dame Commander for services to Medicine in 2009.

Find out more on Trinity College's website.