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We are seeking dynamic leaders from diverse backgrounds in research, innovation, or business to bring their creativity and vision to our Mission Research and Innovation Challenges. The Challenge Director role is crucial to the success of the Research & Development Missions Programme, serving as a champion for the role of research and innovation in addressing critical, complex issues identified by the UK Government’s Missions. With expertise spanning the UK’s ecosystem of research, innovation, and businesses, Challenge Directors will engage across the landscape to design impactful interventions. We welcome applicants who thrive in fast-paced environments and are eager to collaborate with UKRI and Government domain experts to shape timely, high-impact solutions. UK Research and Innovation UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a non-departmental public body created to strengthen the strategic approach to future challenges and maximise value from the UK Government’s investment of over £8 billion per annum in research and innovation. We deliver a strengthened, unified voice for the UK’s research and innovation funding system, facilitating a dialogue with government and partners on the national stage. It builds on the UK’s world-class research and innovation performance, enabling the system to respond rapidly and effectively to current and future challenges. About the Research & Development Missions Programme The Research & Development Missions Programme (RDMP) is a new, targeted UK programme designed to support the Government’s National Missions and support delivery of the milestones in the Government’sPlan for Change . The primary objective of the RDMP is to fund targeted research and innovation (R&I), including technology development, to solve critical problems unique to each mission to improve people’s lives and create growth. An initial investment of £25 million wasannounced in the autumn budget , with UKRI leading, in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Government Mission teams, on focussed Research and Innovation (R&I) Challenges to respond to and develop solutions for the Problems in each Mission. An NHS Fit for the Future The priority milestone for the NHS Fit for the Future Mission is tackling waiting lists and returning to the elective standard. The initial focus is on identifying ways to improve allocative efficiency and patient outcomes through improving patient flow and shifting care from hospital to community. This includes improved access to healthcare, reducing the number of lives lost to the biggest killers (including cancer and cardiovascular disease) and tackling health inequalities through supporting the three shifts identified in the health mission of hospital to home; treatment to prevention; and analogue to digital. Independence No external commitments that could be perceived as a conflict of interest or material distraction from the execution of their duties. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion UKRI is a diverse workforce of people. We believe that encouraging these differences and drawing the best from them will create a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, where talents are fully utilised and in which organisational goals are met. Underpinning this is a belief that it is a fundamental right for everyone to be treated equally, with fairness, respect and dignity. UKRI will act directly to ensure that this right is promoted and upheld; we welcome applications from all those who meet the criteria set out in our role profiles. Travel Requirements The role will be based at the UKRI offices in Swindon. Whilst an ability to lead and build relationships at a distance is beneficial, this is also a role where visibility will be important, therefore, travel to our London office and other UK sites on a regular basis is also expected. How to Apply A comprehensive CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. Please provide details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of the capacity and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent. A supporting statement (maximum two sides A4) highlighting your suitability and setting out, with clear examples, how you meet the essential criteria as highlighted in the person specification. Please note that the supporting statement is an important part of your application; it is an evidence-based document and is as much the means by which you will be assessed as your CV. Please include where you heard about this role. You will also be asked to complete a Diversity Monitoring Form as part of your application. The closing date for applications is23.59 BSTonSunday 20th April 2025 . For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Urvashi Ramphul onUrvashi.Ramphul@ . If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.#J-18808-Ljbffr