The Rosalind Franklin Institute completes its renewed board with the appointment of a new Chair of Trustees
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Graham Spittle CBE as the new Chair of Trustees at the Rosalind Franklin Institute from November 2025.
Graham’s appointment completes the Rosalind Franklin Institute’s renewed board. New independent Trustees Malcolm Skingle, Hilary Newiss, Ian Charles, Bruce Pritchard and Caroline Carter joined the Board late last year. New nominated member representatives are Andy Mount from the University of Edinburgh and John Holloway from the University of Southampton. These Trustees, joined by retained board members Gillian Burgess, David Rees, and Barbara Ghinelli, complete the Board alongside Director Paul Matthews.
Professor Paul Matthews, Director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute, said “I am delighted that the institute is supported by such a skilled and dedicated group of Trustees, representing both our academic and industrial communities. Through their guidance, we look forward to building on the fantastic work that the Institute has already done.”
We are pleased to say that Hilary Newiss will lead our Remuneration Committee and Bruce Pritchard will lead our Audit and Risk Committee.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dame Vivienne Cox, who has served with dedication and distinction over the past 7 years. Under her stewardship, the Rosalind Franklin Institute has achieved significant milestones, including the building of the Hub at Harwell, and the creation of new industrial partnerships on key technology platforms, such as our electron microscopy facilities and nanobodies platform. We are grateful for all that Vivienne has contributed to the Institute.
As Chair, Graham will guide the Board in its governance responsibilities, support the executive leadership team, and help shape the strategic direction of the Rosalind Franklin Institute during a pivotal time of growth and the translation of our technologies. We are confident that his leadership will strengthen our mission and enhance our impact.
Graham says “I am proud to join the Franklin as Chair and look forward to working with my fellow Trustees and the team at the Franklin- helping to contribute to the amazing work of the Institute. The opportunities for integrating physical and life sciences have never been clearer, and the UK is at the forefront of this field with advances such as AlphaFold. The Franklin is well poised to play an important part in this landscape.” Graham brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to science, especially technology development. With a distinguished career spanning 30 years at IBM, he has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for driving meaningful impact.
Graham was appointed as IBM’s Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, Software Group in January 2010, having joined IBM in 1985. Previously he held several senior executive positions within IBM: Vice President, Software UKI (UK & Ireland); Vice President, Worldwide Integration Development; Director of the IBM Hursley Laboratory in the United Kingdom, and Director of MQ Development.
Graham has maintained a deep interest in the application of advanced technologies to medicine and health throughout his career. He co-founded Health Data Research UK in 2017, where he served as Chair for 7 years.
In 2008, Graham was recognised for his services to industry by being appointed as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE). He also served on the Prime Ministers Council for Science and Technology for 7 years.
More information about Graham Spittle and the Board of Trustees can be found here.
