Chapman (pictured) will join UKRI from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), where he is chief executive. He succeeds Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, who announced last year that she would step down from the role in June 2025.

As UKRI’s chief executive, Chapman will lead a renewed focus on economic growth. UKRI is the UK’s largest funder of public research, with an annual budget of £9bn.

As part of this new focus, UKRI will play an ‘increasing role’ in steering the UK’s long-term industrial strategy, building on the UK’s science capability.

During his time at the UKAEA, Chapman has led the organisation’s delivery of an infrastructure project to design and build a prototype powerplant.

The UKAEA board has provisionally agreed that deputy chief executive Tim Bestwick will become interim chief executive after Chapman leaves, while the organisation appoints a permanent replacement.

Science minister Lord Vallance said: “Growing the economy is this government’s number one mission and taking full advantage of the innovative ideas, talent and facilities across our country is key to reaching that goal and improving lives across the UK.

“Sir Ian’s leadership experience, scientific expertise and academic achievements make him an exceptionally strong candidate to lead UKRI in pursuing ambitious, curiosity-driven research, as well as innovations that will unlock new benefits for the UK’s people and drive our Plan for Change.

“We also thank Dame Ottoline Leyser ahead of her stepping down this summer, recognising her pivotal work in guiding UKRI through challenging times, notably during the Covid pandemic and through the UK’s return to participation in Horizon Europe.”

Incoming UKRI chief executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman said: “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.”