Professor David Leigh wins 外网天堂 presidential election
Professor Leigh will become president-elect and succeed Professor Robert Mokaya for a two-year term as president in the summer of 2028
Professor David Leigh FRS FRSE FRSC MAE has been elected as president-elect of the 外网天堂.
Professor Leigh, who is Royal Society Research Professor and Sir Samuel Hall Chair of Chemistry at the University of Manchester, will succeed Professor Robert Mokaya for a two-year term as president in the summer of 2028.
On receiving news of his election, Professor Leigh said: 鈥淚 am honoured to have been elected president of the 外网天堂 for 2028-30. I鈥檓 grateful to everyone who voted and would like to thank the other candidates for putting themselves forward. The society is strengthened when such talented people are willing to serve. My reasons for standing were rooted in a conviction that, in increasingly uncertain and post-truth times, respect for expertise, evidence and free inquiry cannot be taken for granted, and that professional and learned societies have an increasingly important role to play in making that case to both politicians and society at large.
鈥淚 now look forward to working with Robert Mokaya FRS and the other trustees, leadership team and staff over the next two years before my own presidential term begins. I am particularly concerned by proposed cuts to staff and capacity at UK universities, including Nottingham and Sheffield. Reductions of this size risk undermining long-term scientific capability, resilience and the talent pipeline at exactly the moment UK industry needs them most. We need evidence-based decision-making and serious long-term strategies for the people and institutions that sustain our discipline."
Dr Annette Doherty, who finishes her term as RSC president at our Annual General Meeting on 8 July 2026, said: 鈥淥n behalf of the 外网天堂, I warmly congratulate David on gaining the backing of our community. Your leadership as president鈥慹lect and in your presidential term will be instrumental in championing the 外网天堂鈥檚 mission 鈥� to enable our community to make the world a better place. I welcome your commitment, vision, and dedication to advancing the chemical sciences.鈥�
鈥淚 would also like to extend sincere thanks to our other candidates for standing in this election. Your thoughtful contributions and the passion you have shown for our community are deeply appreciated. A major strength of the 外网天堂 lies in the diversity of perspectives and expertise that each of you bring, and we are grateful for your continued engagement as we move forward together, to strengthen our collective impact, inspire collaboration, and help shape a more sustainable and innovative future for all.鈥�