The British Academy Chief Executive welcomes new Universities Minister

In response to the appointment of Chris Skidmore as Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, Alun Evans, Chief Executive at the British Academy said:

“On behalf of the British Academy, I would like to congratulate Chris Skidmore MP on his new role as Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. The UK’s research and development community is world-leading – with only 1% of the global population, the UK produces 16% of the world’s most cited articles – and we very much look forward to working closely with the new minister to maintain this edge and champion the contribution of cutting edge research to economic success. 

“The British Academy will also, of course, continue to make the case for the strategic importance of the humanities and social sciences. As a historian, Chris Skidmore will doubtless understand the relevance of the humanities and social sciences to contemporary issues such as the rise of artificial intelligence, the future of democracy and climate change. The insights of our disciplines will be essential as we navigate our way through an uncertain present into what we hope will be a prosperous future.”