One of the most exciting parts of working with and training research students and early career researchers is seeing the exciting things they go on to do and the differences they make in academia, public service, established businesses and start-ups.

Garth Wells

Garth joined EPSRC as Deputy Executive Chair in October 2025 on secondment from the University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering.

Garth says: "My engagement with EPSRC started as a grant holder, then later as a Strategic Advisory Team member and then through a range of EPSRC and UKRI advisory bodies. The engagement of academics and R&D professionals helps guide EPSRC, and that engagement really helped me learn and develop professionally. I do encourage engagement with research and professional bodies it is very rewarding and an opportunity to shape fields for the future.

"Areas I'll be involved in at EPSRC include Skills and Talent, Digital Research Infrastructure, Trusted Research and Innovation and R&D Missions Accelerator Programme. I'm passionate about Skills and Talent across career stages, because it is the critical prerequisite for all research and innovation. One of the most exciting parts of working with and training research students and early career researchers is seeing the exciting things they go on to do and the differences they make in academia, public service, established businesses and start-ups. EPSRC is committed to supporting the development of people to succeed and excel in the R&D workforce."

Garth Wells is the Hibbitt Professor of Solid Mechanics at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Jesus College. Before joining the University of Cambridge in 2007, he was an Associate Professor at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands.

Prior to joining the faculty at TU Delft, he was a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University. He completed his PhD at TU Delft and his undergraduate degree at the University of Western Australia.

His research interests include computational mechanics, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, geophysics, scientific computing, mathematical software and numerical analysis. His research focuses on the development of new computer models for simulating complex engineering systems, particularly around the energy transition.

EPSRC is the main funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK. It invests in research that underpins and advances all areas of science, ranging from AI and quantum to clean energy, manufacturing to mathematics, and advanced materials to chemistry.

EPSRC’s discovery science brings value to the UK through new technologies and products for consumers. It also supports world-leading research and skills to advance knowledge and deliver a sustainable, resilient and prosperous UK.