The government said that Borysiewicz (pictured) is expected to take up the role later this summer and will succeed the current UKRI chair, Sir Andrew Mackenzie.

The appointment is subject to pre-appointment scrutiny by the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, which is expected to take place in April. 

Borysiewicz has previously held senior leadership roles across research, medicine and higher education, including as chair of Cancer Research UK from 2016 to 2023.

Other prior roles include vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 2010 to 2017, and chief executive at the Medical Research Council from 2007 to 2010.

UKRI is the UK’s largest public funder of research and innovation, investing £9bn each year on behalf of the government, bringing together seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England.

The organisation is currently developing a new strategy, due to launch this summer, setting out how it will advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth in the future.

Liz Kendall, science and technology secretary, said: “Britain’s researchers and innovators are one of our greatest strengths, and their discoveries are transforming everything from health and clean energy, to how we work and keep our country safe. UKRI has a vital role in backing their work so it delivers for the whole country.

“Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz will help ensure our record public investment in research and innovation supports economic growth, backs the industries of the future and improves lives across the UK.”

Borysiewicz said: “I am delighted to be the preferred candidate as chair of UKRI to help the UK effort to promote growth as well as being an international leader across the whole spectrum of research and innovation.  

“I look forward to engaging with the myriad of research communities in all sectors, as well as supporting UKRI in delivering this exciting agenda of driving economic growth, strengthening the UK’s global competitiveness and improving lives.”

Professor Sir Ian Chapman, chief executive at UKRI, added: “Borys’s depth of knowledge, experience and leadership will be of huge value to UKRI as we seek to deliver for the UK’s public on our mission to advance knowledge, change lives and drive growth. I am very much looking forward to working with him to realise our shared ambition for UKRI.

“I would also like to thank Sir Andrew Mackenzie for his service as chair of UKRI. It has been a pleasure working with him and I wish Andrew the best for the future.”

Mackenzie said: “Borys is an outstanding choice. He is a hugely experienced and admired leader in the R&I community who will greatly strengthen UKRI’s governance, key relationships, and impact. The role of UKRI Chair is an extremely fulfilling privilege: it is a real pleasure to pass it on to such good hands as his.”