Sir Leszek Borysiewicz to step down from the MRC
pharmafile | January 19, 2010 | Appointment | | MRC, UK, appointment
The Medical Research Council’s chief executive Sir Leszek Borysiewicz is stepping down later this year to become vice chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
Subject to the approval of the University’s governing body, Sir Leszek will take over from Professor Alison Richard on 1 October 2010.
There is no word yet on who will follow Sir Leszek, but when it comes the new chief executive appointment will be made by the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills.
Sir Leszek said: “I’ll be sad to leave but I know that the MRC will make the most of opportunities that lie ahead. Our new world class research centre (UKCMRI) is just one of the exciting projects that will help to maintain the UK’s international reputation for first class science.
“Medical research is also about partnerships and I’m sure the strong links with National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), industry and universities will help the MRC and the medical research community continue to thrive.”
Sir Leszek has served as chief executive of the MRC since October 2007, during which he worked to implement the recommendations of the Cooksey Review to develop translational research while continuing to focus on basic research standards.
“Sir Leszek has driven forward research from lab bench to patient bedside, building on the MRC’s reputation for supporting excellent science and a flourishing scientific community which delivers benefits to health, the economy and society,” the MRC said.
Prior to joining the MRC, Sir Leszek was deputy rector at Imperial College London, having joined in 2001 as principal of the Faculty of Medicine.
He was knighted in the 2001 New Year’s Honours List for his research into developing vaccines, including a vaccine to prevent the development of cervical cancer.
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