As an engineer, I have seen the ways in which scientific advances can dramatically transform people’s lives, and it has made me particularly passionate about public engagement with science.

Dr Fitzgerald

A Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at the Department of Engineering at Cambridge University, Dr Fitzgerald is also the CEO of Breathing Buildings Ltd, a leading technology company pioneering hybrid ventilation systems. He was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2014.

Ri Chair of Trustees, Sir Richard Sykes, said: ‘The Ri Trustees were unanimous in appointing Shaun as Director of the Royal Institution, based on the breadth of his achievements and the depth of his commitment to our vision.

‘Having founded a technology-based start-up and built it into a highly successful business, it is his mix of science and commercial skills, and his belief in the importance of public engagement with science, which make him such a strong appointment.

‘I look forward to working with Shaun as we inspire people to think more deeply about science and its place in our lives.’

Dr Fitzgerald said: ‘The Ri is a much-loved institution with a rich heritage and a purpose to connect people with science, which is more important today than ever before.

‘Science and its applications are core to the development of society. As an engineer, I have seen the ways in which scientific advances can dramatically transform people’s lives, and it has made me particularly passionate about public engagement with science. Hence I am genuinely excited to be leading the Royal Institution in its important mission to create opportunities for everyone to discover, discuss and critically examine science and how it shapes the world around us.’