April 19, 2021

expert reaction to the announcement of Prof Lucy Chappell FMedSci as the new CSA for the DHSC

Professor Lucy Chappell has been announced as the new Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA) and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) lead for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Prof Sir Simon Wessely FMedSci, Regius Professor of Psychiatry, King’s College London, said:

“Professor Lucy Chappell commands great respect both nationally and internationally for her medical research and leadership, and is a worthy successor to Dame Sally Davies and Professor Chris Whitty as leader of the National Institute for Health Research. She is also an obstetrician, a job that requires a cool and calm head, able to make swift decisions in critical situations, to the benefit of her patients. These skills will serve her well in her national role, this time for all our benefit.”

Prof Sir Robert Lechler FMedSci, Emeritus Vice President (Health), King’s College London, said:

“This is an excellent appointment. Professor Chappell is an outstanding clinical researcher. She has a very impressive grasp of the challenges and opportunities confronting medical research in the coming decade. I have no doubt that she will provide strong and clear leadership as we emerge from the pandemic and shape our forward priorities.”

https://www.nihr.ac.uk/news/new-chief-scientific-adviser-and-nihr-lead-announced/27480

Declared interests

None declared.