Burgess received a knighthood in 2010 for services to higher education. He is vice-chancellor at the University of Leicester and chairs a number of industry bodies including the Higher Education Academy. He has served as a member of the Economic and Social Research Council and as honorary secretary of the Society for Research in Higher Education.

NatCen chief executive Penny Young said: “As well as his status as an eminent social scientist Professor Sir Robert also brings considerable experience of leading a major organisation. He has been vice-chancellor of the University of Leicester since 1999, and during that time markedly improved its standing in the UK’s university sector. I look forward to working with him and for NatCen Social Research to benefit from his experience and expertise. I would also like to thank Professor Dame Janet for all the time and wisdom she has generously given to NatCen Social Research since she became a trustee in 2002 and then our chair in 2007. We’ve been very lucky to have her.”