Ian Chapman Appointed as UKRI's Next CEO
Portfolio - People | Feb 25, 2025 | Business Cloud

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
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Professor Sir Ian Chapman | Next CEO of UK Research and Innovation | People | Currently serving as CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, he has been appointed to lead UKRI. |
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) | Organization | Companies | The UK's largest public research funder, supporting scientific research and innovation across various disciplines. |
Dame Henrietta Miriam Ottoline Leyser | Outgoing CEO of UKRI | People | She has been serving as the CEO of UKRI and will step down this summer. |
UK Atomic Energy Authority | Current organization led by Sir Ian Chapman | Companies | A government research organization focusing on nuclear energy technology. |
Lord Vallance | Science Minister | Government | Government official quoted in the article highlighting the importance of Sir Ian Chapman’s appointment. |
Sir Andrew Mackenzie | Chairman of UKRI | People | Chairman of UKRI, who expressed confidence in Sir Ian Chapman's leadership. |