Leicester’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah appointed Chair of Trustees for The Conversation

University of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, has been appointed Chair to the UK Board of Trustees to independent media network The Conversation.

Professor Canagarajah previously joined the board in May 2020. He takes over from Professor Colin Riordan, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, who has completed his two-year term.

The Conversation first launched in Australia in 2011, and expanded to the UK in 2013. International editions in the USA, Africa, France, Canada, Indonesia and Spain form the rest of the not-for-profit group’s global network.

The Conversation is an independent source of news, analysis and expert opinion, written by academics and researchers, and delivered direct to the public. All of its articles are written by academics and researchers, working with professional editors and journalists to share their knowledge.

Speaking today of his appointment, Professor Canagarajah said: “The Conversation is an important mouthpiece for academic research and expertise, both in the UK and abroad. Now, more than ever, we need researchers to play a key role in discourse on a wide range of issues touching all of our lives.

“A truly independent, not-for-profit network such as The Conversation provides a good platform for researchers to share their expertise and knowledge to a diverse readership around the globe.

“I am delighted to have been appointed Chair to the Board of Trustees, and would like to put on record my thanks to Colin for his work during his term.”

As Chair of The Conversation’s Board of Trustees in the UK, Professor Canagarajah will be responsible for overseeing the strategy and governance for The Conversation in the UK. 

Chris Waiting, Chief Executive at The Conversation UK said: “We're delighted that the board of The Conversation has appointed Professor Canagarajah as our next Chair. He's been a long standing supporter, serving on both our editorial board and as a trustee. 

“I'm looking forward to working with Nishan to further develop our mission to democratise knowledge, breaking down the barriers between research and the public, as we look ahead to our one billionth read next year and the 10th anniversary of The Conversation in the UK in 2023.”

As well as responsibility for all University activities and leading the direction for overall business and academic strategies at Leicester, Professor Canagarajah also holds an appointment as the Commissioner for the TALENT Policy Commission.

His appointment as Chair of the Board of Trustees to The Conversation (UK) runs to for an initial two years, although this can be extended.