Christopher Smith to succeed Jessica Corner as Research England executive chair

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) executive chair Christopher Smith has been announced as the government’s preferred candidate as the next head of Research England – following pre-appointment scrutiny by MPs, he is to take up the position following Jessica Corner’s departure in January.

He will retain responsibility for international partnerships, talent and skills, and research and innovation culture and environment alongside the Research England brief – the new title will be Executive Chair of Research England and Global Partnerships.

Jessica Corner announced in May that she would stand down after completing her four-year term, and the post was subsequently readvertised over the summer.

The role of Research England executive chair is subject to a confirmation hearing by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, which is expected to take place later this month.

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, as UKRI’s sponsoring department, has selected Christopher Smith as its preferred choice. Science minister Chris McDonald has recognised his “tireless” support for the arts and humanities during his time at AHRC, saying that he will “continue to make a valuable contribution to the world class research taking place in the UK” in the new position.