Welcoming the appointment of Sir Ian Chapman as the incoming Chief Executive of UKRI, Katherine Mathieson, Director of the Royal Institution (Ri) said:
“On behalf of everyone at the Royal Institution, I would like to congratulate Sir Ian on his appointment at UKRI.
“UKRI have been important supporters of our public engagement here at the Royal Institution – notably thought their long-term involvement in our annual CHRISTMAS LECTURES – so I am delighted to see that such an outstanding scientist and science communicator as Sir Ian, has been announced as their incoming Chief Executive.
“Ian has shown a strong commitment to science communication and demonstrated great skill in engaging public audiences himself, helping to make complex science accessible to all. This is vital if the transformative power of science is to benefit everyone, and I look forward to working with Ian and the team at UKRI over the coming years.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Dame Ottoline Leyser for her own outstanding leadership of UKRI – during which time she has also worked so hard to champion public engagement with science and broaden the range of job roles that are considered to be part of our nation’s science and research endeavour.”
In his current role as Chief Executive of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Sir Ian engaged public audiences in the Ri Theatre last year on the future of fusion, leading discussions on the opportunities, challenges, and breakthroughs in fusion technology. Sir Ian’s Theatre talk, and other public talks held in partnership with UKAEA are available worldwide via the Ri YouTube channel.