Pre-appointment hearing · Opened 13 April 2026
Pre-appointment hearing: UK Research and Innovation chair
From: Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
What this inquiry is asking
This is a pre-appointment hearing examining whether Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz is fit to be appointed chair of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The committee assessed his professional competence, personal independence, motivation for the role, and understanding of UKRI's strategic priorities and challenges.
Status / emerging findings
- Committee confirmed Borysiewicz is 'eminently appointable' and has the professional competence and personal independence required for the role
- Borysiewicz is described as 'an outstanding scientist with an impressive track record of leading research organisations'
- Committee welcomed his commitment to prioritising the role
- Borysiewicz takes office at a 'pivotal moment' — UKRI is undergoing its most significant transformation since establishment
- Committee flagged he will need to demonstrate capacity to tackle challenges in how research priorities are set and distributed geographically across the UK
Why it matters
The UKRI chair leads the body controlling billions in public research funding; this appointment affects how UK science is prioritised and who benefits from investment across regions and institutions.
Themes
Key witnesses
Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz (candidate), Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (examination body)
Reports & Government Responses
Report · 23 April 2026 · HC 1844
4th Report - Pre-appointment hearing for the Chair of UK Research and Innovation
Themes & actors
Topics across publication summaries
Top organisations & named entities
- Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz·1 reference
- Lord Vallance·1 reference
- Professor Sir Ian Chapman·1 reference
- Dame Chi Onwurah·1 reference
- Dame Anne Glover·1 reference
- Sir Paul Nurse·1 reference
- Alex Jones·1 reference
Source · parliament.uk inquiry record ↗