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Scientists comment on news that Prof Sir Ian Chapman will be joining UKRI as the new CEO.
John-Arne Røttingen, Chief Executive of Wellcome, said:
“I would like to welcome Professor Sir Ian Chapman to his new role.
“The UK’s R&D sector is world class, thanks in large part to strong leadership from UKRI. Ian joins at a crucial time, with high expectations for research to boost the economy yet significant financial pressures on both the universities that are at the heart of UK R&D, and on the wider system. UKRI is critical to ensuring research plays its role in delivering economic growth and helping to solve urgent global health challenges, and the government must give it continued support to ensure it can fulfil its potential.
“I would like to thank Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser for her commitment and dedication to support UK R&D in her time as chief executive.”
Professor Andrew Morris CBE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:
“On behalf of the Academy of Medical Sciences, I congratulate Professor Sir Ian Chapman on his appointment as CEO of UKRI. His proven leadership at the UK Atomic Energy Authority and impressive track record of working with universities, industry and international partners will strengthen the collaborations needed to translate research into societal and economic benefits. Sir Ian’s expertise will be valuable as UKRI continues to drive UK participation in Horizon Europe and build a more efficient approach to research funding.
“The Academy looks forward to continuing our productive partnership with UKRI under Sir Ian’s leadership, supporting talented researchers in developing solutions from innovative treatments to precision diagnostics and advances in understanding disease that align with the Government’s Plan for Change.
“I would also like to thank Dame Ottoline Leyser FMedSci for her outstanding leadership during her five years as UKRI CEO, particularly during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic and through the UK’s return to Horizon Europe.”
Tom Grinyer, CEO of the IOP, said:
“On behalf of the Institute for Physics I want to congratulate Professor Sir Ian Chapman, an IOP fellow and award winner, on his appointment as the next CEO of UKRI.
“He takes over the role at a time when the UK is strongly placed to exploit the potential of physics-driven technologies like AI, meta-materials, quantum and fusion, which could transform our economy and world.
“UKRI has a crucial role in supporting the sustainable and world-class research and innovation system we need to deliver the government’s plans for sustainable, long-term growth and prosperity.
“As a highly experienced and well-respected leader in the scientific community, Sir Ian is well placed to ensure UKRI can support and harness the ingenuity of scientists and engineers at a time when public finances are under pressure.”
Katherine Mathieson, Director of the Royal Institution (RI), said:
“On behalf of everyone at the Royal Institution, I would like to congratulate Sir Ian on his appointment at UKRI.
“UKRI have been important supporters of our public engagement here at the Royal Institution – notably thought their long-term involvement in our annual CHRISTMAS LECTURES – so I am delighted to see that such an outstanding scientist and science communicator as Sir Ian, has been announced as their incoming Chief Executive.
“Ian has shown a strong commitment to science communication and demonstrated great skill in engaging public audiences himself, helping to make complex science accessible to all. This is vital if the transformative power of science is to benefit everyone, and I look forward to working with Ian and the team at UKRI over the coming years.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Dame Ottoline Leyser for her own outstanding leadership of UKRI – during which time she has also worked so hard to champion public engagement with science and broaden the range of job roles that are considered to be part of our nation’s science and research endeavour.”
Dr Mark Downs CSci FRSB, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Biology, said:
“Sir Ian takes over at a pivotal time for UK R&D. There are great opportunities to harness its benefit to solve societal challenges and drive economic growth, but serious challenges must be overcome to enable this. With the life sciences identified by Government as one of eight growth-driving sectors, RSB is ready to work with Sir Ian on issues we have highlighted in our submission to the Spending Review and evidence on the Industrial Strategy:
To unlock sustainable growth, invest long-term in bioscience R&D, including in people, infrastructure and discovery research that can address unknown future challenges. To remove barriers to resilient job growth and address widening skills gaps and regional disparities, support bioscience education and training – including engaging with school, technical and undergraduate-level education to promote a skilled, digitally-enabled, and flexible workforce of the future.”
Dr Alicia Greated, Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), said:
“On behalf of CaSE, I would like to congratulate Professor Sir Ian Chapman on his appointment as the next CEO of UKRI. It is fantastic news that the process has concluded and there is a clear direction ahead for UKRI and the wider R&D sector at an extremely important time.
“UKRI plays a critical role in supporting UK R&D, both in support of the research itself and the people that do it. There are challenges and opportunities ahead for UKRI and us all as we demonstrate how critical R&D is to achieving economic growth and improving lives and livelihoods across the UK. We look forward working with Sir Ian and the UKRI team going forward.”
“I would like to also offer my personal and professional thanks to Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser. Ottoline has been a great supporter of CaSE, and a champion of UK R&D, especially during her time as UKRI CEO. We wish her the best of luck with her future endeavours.”
Sir Andrew Mackenzie, UKRI Chairman, said:
“The board and I are delighted that Ian will become UKRI’s next CEO in the summer.
“Research and Innovation are fundamental to UK growth. Ian has the skills, experience, leadership and commitment to unlock this opportunity to improve the lives and livelihoods of everyone. We look forward to working with him on the next phase of UKRI’s development and our stewardship of the UK’s innovation culture and systems.
“We thank Ottoline for an outstanding five years as UKRI’s CEO. She has delivered a step-change in operational effectiveness and cross-discipline work through collective and inclusive leadership, and secured more social and commercial impacts from our investments”
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Current UKRI CEO, said:
“I’m delighted that Sir Ian will be taking over as UKRI’s CEO later this year. He will bring exceptional research and leadership experience, and detailed knowledge of UKRI from his service on our Board. This will ensure that UKRI maintains momentum at this critical time for research and innovation in the UK.
“Leading UKRI over the past five years has been a huge honour. I have enjoyed discussing an extraordinary range of ideas with an equally extraordinary range of people across the UK and beyond. I am incredibly lucky to have worked with UKRI’s dedicated staff, who bring such an impressive breadth and depth of expertise to serve the UK’s research and innovation system.
“I am proud to have led an organisation, alongside UKRI’s nine Executive Chairs and our Operational Leaders, fostering an outstanding research and innovation system for the UK, that gives everyone the opportunity to contribute and to benefit, enriching lives locally, nationally and globally.
“UKRI is an internationally recognised strength for the UK, and I look forward to seeing it continue to rise to the challenges and capture the opportunities ahead.”
https://www.ukri.org/news/professor-sir-ian-chapman-to-join-ukri-as-new-chief-executive-officer/
Declared interests
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