AHRC Executive Chair to extend tenure

After an unsuccessful recruitment exercise, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced that Professor Smith will continue as Executive Chair of AHRC.

After being appointed as Executive Chair in 2020 his term had been due to conclude in August 2026, but he will now stay on while a succession plan is developed.

Professor Smith said:

Our world and society need science and the rigorous attention to detail and complexity that it brings through all disciplines. We need to be able to think historically to imagine a better future, to think globally to understand our own place in the world, and to care with equity about all our fellow citizens.

Those convictions were why I joined UKRI and I hold them even more firmly now, having seen the work that we do. It will be a privilege to continue, but I also recognise in myself and in the organisation the need for change and I shall do my best to expedite a proper succession plan.

UKRI CEO Professor Sir Ian Chapman said:

Christopher Smith’s term as Executive Chair for the Arts and Humanities Research Council was due to end in August 2026. As a result, UKRI ran an exercise to find the next Executive Chair. Despite having strong candidates, we concluded that none of the applicants were quite right for the role. Christopher has kindly agreed to remain as the Executive Chair until we find an appropriate successor.

He will also maintain his other cross-UKRI roles including being Executive Champion for International, Talent & Skills and Research and Innovation Culture & Environment. We will readvertise the role in the future, though not in the near-term.

I am delighted to continue working with Christopher. He is a true champion of arts and humanities, as well as a tremendous colleague.