Professor Christopher Smith, UKRI International Champion, is pleased to announce the appointment of Frances Wood as the new UKRI International Director.

Frances is currently Regional Director for the UK government Science and Innovation Network (SIN) covering Europe, Russia, Turkey and Israel. Prior to her role in the SIN, she was Head of the Economics Unit in the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Frances’ start date will be 11 July 2022.

UKRI International Champion Professor Christopher Smith said:
"We are delighted to welcome Frances to lead UKRI International. UKRI’s international reach and depth places it at the heart of the UK’s ambitions for leadership and a renewed role as a force for good in a global knowledge economy.

Frances’ knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we develop our international portfolio in and beyond the current spending review."

Frances Wood said:
"Research and innovation are global endeavours, and to deliver on UKRI’s vision of connecting discovery to prosperity and public good, we need strong and deep international partnerships. I am thrilled to be appointed as International Director to lead on strengthening and deepening the partnerships the UK needs."

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