Ian Chapman Appointed as UKRI's Next CEO

Portfolio - People | Feb 25, 2025 | Business Cloud

Ian Chapman Appointed as UKRI's Next CEO

Professor Sir Ian Chapman has been appointed the new CEO of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), succeeding Dame Henrietta Miriam Ottoline Leyser. Currently leading the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Sir Ian brings extensive experience in the scientific and energy sectors. UKRI, the UK’s largest public research funder with a £9bn annual budget, plays a crucial role in national innovation and R&D. Under Dame Ottoline’s leadership, UKRI has made significant contributions to projects such as the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine and AI research investment. Sir Ian’s appointment underscores a commitment to bolstering the UK’s research and development landscape.

Sectors

  • Research and Innovation
  • Energy
  • Public Sector

Geography

  • United Kingdom – The article is centered on UKRI, a major UK public research funder, and discusses national policy in research and innovation.

Industry

  • Research and Innovation – The article is focused on UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the UK's most prominent public research funding organization.
  • Energy – The appointment of Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, highlights the energy sector's influence in leadership roles within major research organizations.
  • Public Sector – UKRI is a public sector body, and its activities are closely aligned with government policy and public funding initiatives.

Financials

  • £9bn – The annual budget of UK Research and Innovation.
  • £1bn – The UK public investment in AI R&D with contributions from UKRI.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Professor Sir Ian ChapmanNext CEO of UK Research and InnovationPeopleCurrently serving as CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, he has been appointed to lead UKRI.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)OrganizationCompaniesThe UK's largest public research funder, supporting scientific research and innovation across various disciplines.
Dame Henrietta Miriam Ottoline LeyserOutgoing CEO of UKRIPeopleShe has been serving as the CEO of UKRI and will step down this summer.
UK Atomic Energy AuthorityCurrent organization led by Sir Ian ChapmanCompaniesA government research organization focusing on nuclear energy technology.
Lord VallanceScience MinisterGovernmentGovernment official quoted in the article highlighting the importance of Sir Ian Chapman’s appointment.
Sir Andrew MackenzieChairman of UKRIPeopleChairman of UKRI, who expressed confidence in Sir Ian Chapman's leadership.