One of UK’s National Research Institutes, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), was seeking to appoint a new Board Chair. The brief called for an experienced senior leader with substantial executive and non-executive experience in public and commercial research contexts, together with a deep understanding of research translation and fundraising, and the gravitas and political nous to engage with and influence senior stakeholders across academia, industry, and government.
McLean conducted an extensive search focused primarily on senior leaders across the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem, including academia, the commercial Life Sciences sector, research funding organisations, venture capital, and government. The search yielded a strong and diverse field of candidates from which 10 were selected at longlist. Following first round interviews with McLean, the final shortlist of four candidates (50% female, 25% BAME) was invited to final interviews with the Nominations Committee. All candidates were deemed appointable. The selected candidate is an experienced Board Chair with extensive experience in commercial R&D and in innovation within academic and public research contexts. The individual also brings an extensive professional network across academia, industry, and government.
