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Sir John Kingman has been confirmed as the chair of UK Research and Innovation, overseeing the work of the country¡¯s seven research councils, Innovate UK, and Research England.

Sir John, a former second permanent secretary at HM Treasury, has been interim chair of the umbrella body since May 2016.

UKRI will have a combined budget of more than ?6 billion when it comes into force in April and is led by chief executive Sir Mark Walport, the UK government¡¯s former chief scientific adviser.

Greg Clark, the business secretary, said that Sir John had been ¡°has been central to the formation of?UKRI¡±. ¡°As we work to establish this new organisation, Sir John has worked tirelessly to develop?UKRI¡¯s strategy and approach,¡± Mr Clark said.

Sir John said that it was a ¡°moment of exceptional opportunity ¨C and responsibility ¨C to make best possible use of the very large increases in science and innovation funding committed in the industrial strategy¡±.

¡°In 18 months as interim chair, robust foundations have been laid for the new organisation: we have recruited a superb chief executive and executive team, a formidable board, and exceptional new talent into key leadership roles at the research councils,¡± Sir John said. ¡°It is a huge privilege to be given the opportunity to continue.¡±

rachael.pells@timeshighereducation.com