Dr Roger Appleton appointed head of STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has announced the appointment of Dr Roger Eccleston with immediate effect.

Dr Roger Eccleston has been appointed as the new STFC Executive Director, National Laboratories: Large Scale Facilities and Head of Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

Roger has been interim Executive Director since November 2024 and was appointed after a rigorous and highly competitive recruitment and selection process.

Roger will play a critical role in delivering and shaping the strategic direction of STFC’s scientific facilities within the National Laboratories. He will ensure STFC’s future global competitiveness and delivery of world-class science on behalf of the UK.

As a member of STFC’s Executive Board, Roger will also help to shape STFC’s future priorities and plans as well as wider campus developments.

In this role, Roger has responsibility for the leadership and development of STFC’s Large Scale Facilities, including the ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, the Central Laser Facility and RAL Space.

He also has accountability for the strategic development of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory site and STFC’s wider strategy.

“I am honoured and excited to take up this opportunity as STFC’s Executive Director for National Laboratories, Large Scale Facilities. Our national laboratories and facilities are incredible assets for UK research and innovation,” Roger said of his new appointment.

“I am looking forward to working with our dedicated colleagues to ensure they continue to provide world-leading capability, and we work in partnership with our user communities in the UK and internationally to conduct outstanding and impactful research.

Roger has worked in the field of neutron science for most of his career. Prior to his current role, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Sheffield Hallam University.