Prof Sir Ian Chapman, UKAEA CEO, said:

“I am excited to be joining an excellent team at UKRI focused on improving the lives and livelihoods of UK citizens.

“Research and innovation must be central to the prosperity of our society and our economy, so UKRI can shape the future of the country.

“I was tremendously fortunate to represent UKAEA, an organisation at the forefront of global research and innovation of fusion energy, and I look forward to building on those experiences to enable the wider UK research and innovation sector.”

The UKAEA Board has provisionally agreed that Tim Bestwick, UKAEA Deputy CEO, will take over as interim CEO of UKAEA after Sir Ian leaves, while a permanent replacement is appointed.

Tim Bestwick, UKAEA Deputy CEO, said:

“Huge congratulations to Ian on his appointment to such a pivotal role in UK research. Ian has had a tremendously positive impact on shaping and growing UKAEA over his tenure as CEO, which we have very much benefitted from.

“It is an exciting time for the developing field of fusion, with UKAEA playing an important leadership position.

“I am personally committed to delivering on UKAEA’s important mission as effectively as possible, and I look forward to doing my part as interim CEO.”

Science Minister Lord Vallance announced on the 25th February that UKAEA's CEO Professor Sir Ian Chapman will leave UKAEA this summer and will become the next CEO of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Professor Sir Ian Chapman will be supporting thousands of bright researchers and innovators in developing solutions from life-saving medicines to protecting our environment – ultimately making a visible, positive difference to people’s lives and supporting the missions at the heart of the Government’s Plan for Change.