Born in Oamaru, Prof Grant attended Waitaki Boys High School and later gained three law degrees from Otago University: LLB (1970), LLM (1972) and LLD (1986), as well as an honorary doctorate of laws degree in 2006.
A recent article in the Daily Telegraph newspaper in England noted that, according to the latest Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings, UCL was ranked behind only Harvard, Cambridge and Yale universities.
In 2006, UCL had been only 26th on this table.
In the six years since Prof Grant became provost and president, UCL had become "an academic powerhouse, respected around the world," particularly for its scientific research", the newspaper said.
UCL has about 20,000 students, similar to Otago University student numbers.
Prof Grant has had an outstanding career in research, some of it involving town planning and law.
He has been a law professor at three United Kingdom universities, and is a former chairman of the UK Local Government Commission and has been pro-vice-chancellor of Cambridge University.
In an interview with the Otago Daily Times, Prof Grant said league tables were "interesting measures of performance" but measured "only a fraction of the real activity of a university".
UCL's success had resulted from a "long-run strategy of hiring the best academic talent in the world, investing in world-class facilities and attracting top students globally".
He was delighted not only with UCL's success, but also with the global recognition it was now receiving.
"This is simply a wonderful institution, with a strong sense of loyalty and community, and I've got the best job I could ever have hoped for."
