Diamond Light Source Announces New Chair of the Board

Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron science facility, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, FRS FMedSci and Vice Chancellor Emeritus, University of Cambridge, as its new Chair. He succeeds Sir Adrian Smith, who spent a decade’s tenure leading the Diamond Light Source Board. 

Sir Leszek brings a wealth of expertise and a distinguished career in both scientific research and administration to this new role. Trained as a clinician and immunologist, Sir Borys has held numerous prestigious positions, including Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 2010 to 2017, Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Research Council from 2007 to 2010, and Deputy Rector of Imperial College London from 2004 to 2007. 

Sir Leszek’s experience extends beyond academia. He served as Chair of Cancer Research UK between 2016 and 2023 and was a Member of the UKRI Board from 2017 to 2022. Additionally, he has held the role of Governor of the Wellcome Trust and is currently a Trustee of the Wolfson Foundation, a Member of the Council of Imperial College London, and a Board Trustee and Chair of the Academic Advisory Committee at Nanyang Technological University. He also serves as a Non-Executive Director of 52 North Healthcare. 

Recognised for his contributions to medical research and education, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz was knighted in 2001. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a founding Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, underscoring his significant impact on the scientific community. 

The appointment of Sir Leszek marks a significant milestone for Diamond Light Source, as his extensive experience and leadership are set to guide the organisation through the exciting changes ahead as the Diamond-II upgrade programme progresses through construction, to world-changing scientific delivery. 

Prof Gianluigi Botton, CEO of Diamond Light Source concludes; 

Sir Leszek attended his first Board Meeting for Diamond Light Source on 6th December, 2024, where the announcement was made. He assumed his post on the 7th December, 2024.