Professor Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, has been appointed the new Chair of the British Council Wales Advisory Committee, succeeding Rob Humphreys CBE FLSW, who stepped down earlier in 2025.
As Chair, Professor Boyle will guide the advisory committee in ensuring that the British Council’s work in education, arts, and culture continues to connect Wales internationally, promoting understanding and collaboration.
Professor Boyle has served as Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University since 2019, prior to which he was President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester. He has worked across research, teaching and international engagement in Wales, the UK and internationally, and was formerly the Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), President of Science Europe and Vice-President of the European University Association.
A recognised leader in higher education, Professor Boyle is a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales, the British Academy and the Academy of Social Sciences. He is Chair of Jisc, a not-for-profit organisation providing digital services and solutions to the UK’s higher and further education sector, and currently chairs Universities Wales’ Research and Innovation Network. the UKSA’s Research Accreditation Panel and Research Data Scotland.
Speaking about his appointment, Professor Paul Boyle said: “It is a privilege to take on this role and support the British Council’s work in Wales at this critical juncture. Connecting people through education, culture, and the arts is vital in creating international understanding and opportunities for collaboration, and I look forward to working with partners across sectors to foster and enhance these connections and showcase Wales’ diverse talents on the global stage.”
Welcoming his appointment, Ruth Cocks, Director of British Council Wales, said: “Professor Boyle brings exceptional experience and leadership to this role. His background in higher education and international research collaboration will be invaluable as we expand Wales’ global connections. I am excited to work with him to create new opportunities for Welsh schools, universities, and cultural organisations to engage internationally and to help Wales’ talent, culture, and ideas reach audiences around the world. His appointment will help us to advance Wales’ contribution across the UK’s priorities, from growth and security to development, mobility, European collaboration and climate action.”
Professor Boyle assumes his new role as British Council Wales continues to grow its international programmes in education and the arts, creating opportunities for Welsh schools, universities, and cultural organisations to engage globally.
