City’s President appointed to UKRI Board

Professor Anthony Finkelstein, City, University of London has been appointed to the Board of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

He is one of six new non-executive directors.  Bringing together a blend of business, scientific and technological expertise, the new appointments will work with UKRI’s Chair, Sir Andrew Mackenzie, to support and challenge UKRI to maximise the benefits from government investment into Research and Development (R&D) and help secure the UK’s status as a global science superpower.

UKRI is the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK. Operating across the whole of the UK with a combined budget of more than £7 billion, UKRI brings together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and Research England.

The Board has general oversight of UKRI’s activities and is responsible for achieving UKRI’s strategic objective and vision.

It consists of UKRI’s Chair, Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer, as well as between nine and 12 independent members drawn from higher education, industry and commerce, policy, and charities and other non-governmental organisations.

Board members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy. The board is required to give updates and advice to the Secretary of State, including an annual report and strategic priorities.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with UKRI to help achieve the UK’s ‘Science Superpower’ ambitions. I will be focused on pathways that connect research and innovation, on engagement with industry necessary to deliver the 2.4 per cent GDP goal, and on the vital links between the security and defence community and the research base.

I will be using my experience and position as President of City, University of London, to reflect the contribution of research founded upon practice in business and the professions.

Find out more about UKRI’s work here.