Janet Wisely confirmed as Chief Executive of the Health Research Authority

Janet Wisely has today been confirmed as Chief Executive of the Health Research Authority (HRA).  Janet has been interim Chief Executive since the HRA was established in December 2011 and is currently also Director of the National Research Ethics Service.  The HRA is a Special Health Authority set up to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health research.

Professor Dame Sally C. Davies, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor, Department of Health, said:
"I am delighted by the appointment of Dr Janet Wisely as Chief Executive of the Health Research Authority.  Janet has shown by her actions as Director of the National Research Ethics Service, and latterly as interim Chief Executive of the HRA, how determined she is to work with others to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health research.  Together with the newly-appointed Chair, Professor Jonathan Montgomery, we have a strong and respected leadership team to move forward the HRA objectives and I wish them every success."

Jonathan Montgomery, Chair of the HRA, said:
"I am delighted that Janet has accepted the appointment as Chief Executive.  She was the best candidate in an international field of applicants for the post.  She is widely respected for the work she has already done on research governance and is ambitious to take forward our challenging agenda.  She will provide strong leadership in promoting and protecting our common interests in good, ethical, health research."

Janet Wisely said:
"The establishment of the HRA last December was an important milestone for health research in the UK, we are already making a difference and have a vision and ambition to make the UK a great place to do research.  I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Executive for the HRA.  I look forward to working closely with our Chair, Jonathan Montgomery, as we take this vital agenda forward to promote health research and protect the interests of patients and the public in the UK."