Exeter academic appointed to lead the Arts and Humanities Research Council

Professor Thompson’s research interests focus on the relationship between British, imperial and global histories and the effects of empire on British private and public life during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The AHRC is a national funding agency supporting arts and humanities research and study in the UK. It funds world-class, independent researchers in a wide range of subjects: ancient history, modern dance, archaeology, digital content, philosophy, English literature, design and the creative and performing arts.

Professor Thompson took up his role as interim chair on 1 December and will continue until a new Chief Executive is appointed.

Professor Thompson said: “The AHRC has moved from strength to strength under the leadership of Professor Rick Rylance. I have worked closely with Rick in recent years and look forward to taking on the role of interim CEO at this vital time.”

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “I am pleased to be able to appoint Professor Andrew Thompson as interim Chief Executive of the AHRC. His academic knowledge and experience will serve him well in leading the AHRC with its key role of funding world-class research in the Arts and Humanities.”

Sir Drummond Bone, Chair of the AHRC said: “Ahead of finalising arrangements for a new permanent CEO, it is vitally important for the Arts and Humanities research community that the AHRC has the highest quality of interim CEO who will be able to engage immediately with the post spending review agenda – in Andrew we have just such a person who given his current work for the AHRC will be up to speed immediately.”

Professor Thompson is currently working on a project on the history of international humanitarian aid after the Second World War, including a partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva exploring the history and practice of their humanitarian principles. He previously co-founded the Institute of Colonial and Postcolonial Studies at the University of Leeds, and was also Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research.