The Association of Medical Research Charities names next CEO

The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC)’ director of policy and public affairs Nicola Perrin has been named as the organisation's next chief executive.

Perrin takes over from interim CEO Hilary Reynolds, who had taken on the role when the last permanent chief executive, Aisling Burnand, stood down earlier this year.

“At such a difficult time for the sector, I am lucky to be able to build on the fantastic legacy of Aisling Burnand’s leadership over the past seven years,” said Perrin, who was awarded an MBE in 2020,

“I am very much looking forward to getting to know all of our member charities when I start and continuing the vital work with an amazing team of colleagues.”



AMRC chair Lord Sharkey added: “We are delighted to appoint Nicola as CEO at such a pivotal time for science in the UK and in particular medical research charities. Her reputation precedes her, and we know she lives up to that and will prove to be both a thoughtful and progressive leader for the sector.”

Burnand stepped down this summer after revealing she had been diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer. She continues to advise the AMRC until the end of the year.

The AMRC had initially advertised the new role without specifying the salary. But following concerns raised by the Show the Salary campaign and other charity professionals on social media this was rectified.

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