Professor Leszek Borysiewicz proposed as next chair of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

The UK's science minister has proposed Professor Leszek Borysiewicz to be the next head of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Professor Borysiewicz has held several senior leadership roles across research, medicine and higher education. He served as Chair of Cancer Research UK from 2016 to 2023, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 2010 to 2017, and Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council from 2007 to 2010.

Liz Kendall, the UK's science and technology minister, said in a press release published on 01/04/2026: "Britain’s researchers and innovators are one of our greatest strengths, and their discoveries are transforming everything from health and clean energy, to how we work and keep our country safe. UKRI has a vital role in backing their work so it delivers for the whole country."

UKRI is the UK’s largest public funder of research and innovation, investing £9 (€12bn) each year on behalf of the government. It brings together the seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England, and is developing a new strategy, due to launch this summer, setting out…