Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts today announced the reappointment of Sir Alan Wilson as the Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

David Willetts said:
“I am delighted that Sir Alan has agreed to remain as Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council until 30 November 2015. He is a successful Chair, whose wide experience of research, government and academia will continue to be of great value to the Council.

”Arts and humanities research is essential – it brings meaning and shape to our lives and contributes to some of the fastest-growing parts of the UK economy including new media, design and music.”

Sir Alan Wilson said:
“It has been a privilege to be Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council for the last four years. I am delighted to be re-appointed and look forward to working with the Council, the staff and the research community in meeting future challenges.”

The reappointment is for four years from 1 December 2011.

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AHRC Media contact: Jake Gilmore, Communications Manager, 01793 416021; j.gilmore@ahrc.ac.uk  

Notes to editors:

1. This reappointment has been made in accordance with the requirements of the Code of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

2. Sir Alan's first term as AHRC Chair ran from 7 December 2007 to 30 November 2011. His remuneration for this position is £16,430 for on average 24 days per annum. He does not hold any other public appointments. Sir Alan is currently Professor of Urban and Regional Systems at University College London having previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds and as Director-General for Higher Education in the then Department for Education and Skills. He was elected to the Fellowship of the British Academy in 1994 and was knighted in 2001. In May 2006 Sir Alan was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society.

3. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the Nolan recommendations there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity to be made public. Sir Alan has not been involved in any relevant political activities in the last five years.

4. The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC): Each year the AHRC provides approximately £100 million from the Government to support research and postgraduate study in the arts and humanities, from languages and law, archaeology and English literature to design and creative and performing arts. In any one year, the AHRC makes hundreds of research awards ranging from individual fellowships to major collaborative projects as well as over 1,100 studentship awards. Awards are made after a rigorous peer review process, to ensure that only applications of the highest quality are funded. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of the UK.