New boss for UK research
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is refreshing its mission with a new chief executive from the atomic energy agency.
Professor Sir Ian Chapman will take over as CEO in June, replacing Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser.
UKRI is the country’s largest public research funder, with a budget of £9 billion per year and includes the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Innovate UK as well as the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It has also been a major contributor to the £1 billion of UK public investment in AI R&D and plays a key part in driving up UK participation in the world’s largest research programme, Horizon Europe.
During his decade as CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Chapman led the transition from an organisation rooted in R&D to delivering a major infrastructure project to design and build a prototype powerplant.
“Research and innovation must be central to the prosperity of our society and our economy, so UKRI can shape the future of the country,” said Chapman. “I was tremendously fortunate to represent UKAEA, an organisation at the forefront of global research and innovation of fusion energy, and I look forward to building on those experiences to enable the wider UK research and innovation sector.”
“Growing the economy is this government’s number one mission and taking full advantage of the innovative ideas, talent and facilities across our country is key to reaching that goal and improving lives across the UK.
“Sir Ian’s leadership experience, scientific expertise and academic achievements make him an exceptionally strong candidate to lead UKRI in pursuing ambitious, curiosity-driven research, as well as innovations that will unlock new benefits for the UK’s people and drive our Plan for Change,” said Science Minister Lord Vallance.
“We also thank Dame Ottoline Leyser ahead of her stepping down this summer, recognising her pivotal work in guiding UKRI through challenging times, notably during the Covid pandemic and through the UK’s return to participation in Horizon Europe.”
Chapman already sits on UKRI’s board and will take up the post in the summer. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Physics, and a visiting Professor at Durham University.
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