Parliamentary Thematic Research Leads were first piloted in 2023. This year, the UK Parliament and UKRI have partnered to recruit the second cohort of Research Leads covering a range of disciplines who will be in post until 2026. Based on the concept of Chief Scientific Advisors, their main role is to enhance the use of research evidence in the Houses of Parliament. This will be achieved by working with staff members in The Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology, the House of Commons Library and Select Committee teams. The Parliamentary Thematic Research Lead is a highly influential role in Parliament, and the only role of its type in any parliament across the world. The role also makes the UK the first nation to permanently embed external researchers in its Parliament.

As part of his role, Varuna will be based in Parliament three days a week. There, he will be leading on activities which will create a research and innovation environment that encourages increased collaboration and knowledge exchange between Parliament and the UK’s research community.

On being appointed, Varuna De-Silva said: “Artificial intelligence represents some of the most remarkable technologies created by humans that have started to surpass our understanding. I am delighted to be the inaugural Thematic Research Lead in AI and Digital technologies for the UK Parliament to serve as the bridge between academia, policymakers and the research councils to shape how this technology will go on to influence every walk of life.”

Here is a full list of the appointed Research Leads and themes:

1. AI and Digital – Varuna De Silva, Loughborough University (New position)
2. Arts and Humanities – Helen McCabe, University of Nottingham (New position)
3. Business, Economics and Trade – Jane Parry, University of Southampton (New position)
4. Climate and Environment – Andrew Russell, Queen Mary University London
5. Crime and Justice – Dr Ruth Lamont, University of Manchester (New position)
6. Health – David Strain, University of Exeter (New position)
7. International Affairs and National Security – Leslie-Anne Duvic-Paoli, King's College London
8. Transport – Louise Reardon, University of Birmingham (New position)