The UK government has appointed Mark Walport to lead UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Walport has been selected as Chief Executive Designate to lead the establishment of UKRI, subject to the passage of the Higher Education and Research Bill through parliament.
If passed, UKRI will be established as a single, strategic body that will bring together the 7 Research Councils, Innovate UK and the research and knowledge exchange functions of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
Jo Johnson , UK Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, said: “Following his appointment Mark will now work closely with the UKRI Chair Sir John Kingman and the research and innovation communities across the UK to shape the new organization over the coming months, delivering on the Industrial Strategy proposals for investing in science, research and innovation in the UK.”
Walport said: “I look forward to working closely with the Research Councils, Innovate UK, and HEFCE as we work together to create UKRI. I also look forward to working closely with all of our research and innovation communities to provide a strong and coherent voice for UK science and innovation.”