Pro Vice-Chancellor for Health, Professor John Iredale will serve another term on the Medical Research Council (MRC), and Professor David Stephens, from the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, will join the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Both Councils come into effect with the launch of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) on 1 April 2018.

Commenting on UKRI’s decision to grant these positions to Professors John Iredale and David Stephens, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, Prof. Hugh Brady, said:

“For two of our esteemed Professors and colleagues to have been selected to serve on the MRC and BBRSC is testament to their passion, knowledge and dedication in their respective fields.

“Members of the UK’s research councils have a vital role to play in shaping the UK’s current and future approach to research and innovation – especially important at this time of great transition. I am confident both Professor Iredale and Professor Stephens will make a positive and lasting contribution in achieving the goals of the councils they serve.

“For both the MRC and the BBSRC to have selected members from our University reinforces Bristol’s position – as a University and a region – as a true centre of excellence for life and health sciences research.”

Professor Sir Mark Walport UK Research and Innovation Chief Executive Designate, commented:

“I am delighted to welcome these new Council members. Their stimulus, support and challenge will provide a critical role in the development of strategy and the governance of UK Research and Innovation. The diversity of their personal backgrounds, experience and expertise will ensure that we make the very best choices in how to invest wisely in research and innovation and develop capability and capacity for the future.”