September 9, 2020

expert reaction to announcement Sir John Kingman will step down as UKRI chair in 2021

It has been announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) that Sir John Kingham is to step down as their chair in 2021.

Prof Paul Stewart, Vice-President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:

“As the first Chair of UKRI, Sir John Kingman has used his considerable experience and understanding of the UK research sector to guide one of the most radical changes of the research funding landscape in the UK in recent times. The UK’s world-leading science base currently faces significant uncertainties presented by the impact of COVID-19 and by the UK’s exit from the EU on research projects and researchers. We are pleased that Sir John will continue to support UKRI until May and look forward to working with his successor.”

Sir Jeremy Farrar, Director of Wellcome, said:

“John has shown exceptional leadership and dedication during the establishment of UKRI, uniting the individual Research Councils into a single organisation with an ambitious and sustainable vision for the future of UK science. He has been a highly valued and sage advisor to Wellcome over many years whilst at the Treasury and more recently during the coronavirus pandemic when UKRI has made such an important contribution.

“On a personal note, I will miss working with John enormously – always insightful, constructive and with a great sense of humour. I wish him every success in whatever the future brings. I sincerely hope he will continue to remain engaged in public life, and look forward to hearing of his plans.”

Sir Paul Nurse, Chief Executive of the Francis Crick Institute (and author of the Nurse report) said:

“John Kingman has been a highly effective chair of UKRI, steering the organisation to create an environment for UK research and innovation to flourish, and ensuring that the voice of science is heard at the heart of Government. He has helped to secure and enhance the entire UK research endeavour, while ensuring appropriate independence and objectivity for UKRI. He will be greatly missed.”

https://www.ukri.org/news/sir-john-kingman-to-step-down-as-ukri-chair-in-may-2021/

Declared interests

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