Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz has been formally confirmed as the next Chair of
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). He will take up the role in July 2026.
Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall named Sir Leszek as her preferred candidate earlier this year, citing his extensive leadership experience across science, research and innovation. He will succeed the current UKRI Chair, Sir Andrew Mackenzie.
UKRI is the UK’s largest public funder of research and innovation, investing around £9 billion each year through its seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England. The organisation plays a key role in ensuring public funding supports economic growth, strengthens global competitiveness and delivers practical benefits across sectors including manufacturing, engineering, clean energy and advanced technology.
Announcing the appointment, Liz Kendall said: “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.
“Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz will help ensure our record public investment in research and innovation supports economic growth, backs the industries of the future and improves lives across the UK.”
Sir Leszek has held senior roles spanning academia, medicine and the charity sector. He was vice‑chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 2010 to 2017, chief executive of the Medical Research Council from 2007 to 2010, and chair of Cancer Research UK between 2016 and 2023.
Sir Leszek said: “I am delighted to be appointed Chair of UKRI to help the UK effort to promote growth as well as being an international leader across the whole spectrum of research and innovation.
“I look forward to engaging with the myriad of research communities in all sectors, as well as supporting UKRI in delivering this exciting agenda of driving economic growth, strengthening the UK’s global competitiveness and improving lives.”
UKRI chief executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman welcomed the appointment, commenting:
“Borys’s depth of knowledge, experience and leadership will be of huge value to UKRI as we seek to deliver for the UK’s public on our mission to advance knowledge, change lives and drive growth. I am very much looking forward to working with him to realise our shared ambition for UKRI.”
He added: “I would also like to thank Sir Andrew Mackenzie for his service as Chair of UKRI. It has been a pleasure working with him and I wish Andrew the best for the future.”
Pic credit: Yidan Award Foundation