New-look research body appoints chief

Sir Mark Walport has been appointed chief executive of the newly formed Research and Innovation organisation.

Currently part of a bill going through Parliament, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is expected to open in April 2018 and will oversee the seven existing research councils that hand out a combined £6bn of investment and funding every year.

Sir Mark Walport said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the first Chief Executive of UKRI. My ambition is to make UKRI the world’s leading research and innovation public funding agency.”

A former director of the Wellcome Trust, Sir Mark Walport has also held other posts including Head of the Division of Medicine at Imperial College London. Currently he is serving as the government’s Chief Scientist.

Naomi Weir, Assistant Director at the Campaign for Science and Engineering, said: “With great power comes great responsibility. Since the conception of UKRI the science community have been very mindful that the Chief Executive will have a pivotal role in setting its tone. As well as strong leadership and acute political nous, a firm commitment to listening to the science and innovation community, working collaboratively and nurturing the autonomy of UKRI's constituent Councils will be essential.”

However this appointment has also been met with some apprehension. The Astronomer Royal Lord Rees said to the BBC: “Reorganisation of the research councils puts a great deal of power in the hands of a single person. They oversee such a great deal of research, ranging from hard science at one end to humanities at the other. No-one could fulfil the role adequately.”

The government has also announced £15m of funding for 125 innovative research and development projects across the country. Examples of some of the projects receiving funding include rapid charging for electric vehicles, drone technology and 3D printing.