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The next executive chair of the UK¡¯s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council will be Lynn Gladden, currently Shell professor of chemical engineering at the University of Cambridge.

Professor Gladden, whose appointment was announced by Sam Gyimah, the universities and science minister, will take up the post in October, succeeding Philip Nelson.

The former pro vice-chancellor for research at Cambridge, whose research focuses on developing MRI techniques for use in engineering, said: ¡°EPSRC science delivers world-leading, original thinking in mathematics, physical sciences and engineering that transforms the world we live in, and I am honoured to have been selected to be its new executive chair.

¡°This is an exciting time to lead the EPSRC. In particular, the formation of UK Research and Innovation offers opportunities for EPSRC science and thinking to expand into new fields through collaboration with partner councils, and to explore new ways of working to deliver the UK¡¯s industrial strategy.¡±

Sir Mark Walport, UKRI chief executive, said of Professor Gladden: ¡°Her groundbreaking work in academia coupled with her strong collaborations with industry make her the ideal candidate to lead the EPSRC and ensure the wider success of UK Research and Innovation.

¡°Lynn will build on the successes of her predecessor, Professor Philip Nelson, who I would like to thank for his exceptional leadership of the EPSRC over the last four years and the crucial role he has played in the creation of UK Research and Innovation.¡±

john.morgan@timeshighereducation.com