FST BLOG

The FST appoints Dr Alex Rhys OBE as Chief Executive

• 9 January 2026
• General
• Charlotte Raynsford

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FST) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Alex Rhys OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Alex Rhys will join the FST on 16th March, bringing extensive experience of science, policy, and organisational leadership. Alex holds a PhD in Molecular Oncology from Queen Mary University of London and began his career in cancer research before transitioning to healthcare regulation and policy. He has served in senior leadership roles across professional bodies, regulatory organisations, and charities, with expertise in convening diverse stakeholders and influencing policy at the highest levels.

Most recently, Alex served as Chief Executive Officer of the Infection Prevention Society, leading a period of significant transformation including expanding the Society's reach into veterinary infection prevention and building commercial capabilities. He also founded and led It Gets Better UK, growing the charity from a grassroots initiative to reach over 2.5 million LGBTQ+ young people.

He will succeed current CEO of seven years, Gavin Costigan who brought extensive knowledge and expertise from his background in the civil service and higher education to the role and established its ever-popular Foundation Future Leaders' Programme, which continues to grow in strength every year.

The Foundation for Science and Technology is a UK charity which provides an impartial platform for the debate and discussion of topical issues that sit at the intersection of policy, science and technology. Through various activities, it brings together Parliamentarians, civil servants, industrialists, researchers, learned societies and charities, and offers free monthly evening discussions which are open to the public. It also organises the Foundation Future Leaders Programme, supporting the next generation of professionals from universities, industry and the civil service.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Rhys said: "I'm honoured to be joining the Foundation for Science and Technology at such an important moment. FST's role as an independent, impartial platform for dialogue between researchers, policymakers, industry, and Parliament has never been more vital - particularly as the UK navigates critical decisions around AI governance, industrial strategy, and research funding. The upcoming 50th anniversary in 2027 provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate FST's unique convening power."

Commenting on the appointment, Lord Willetts, Chair of the Foundation for Science and Technology, said:

“I am delighted that Dr Alex Rhys will be joining us as Chief Executive of the Foundation for Science and Technology. Alex brings a wealth of experience in science, technology and healthcare and we chose him from a strong field of excellent candidates. I am looking forward to working with Alex in taking the Foundation forward – not least into our 50^th Anniversary year in 2027.

“I also want to thank Gavin Costigan for his fantastic tenure as Chief Executive over the last seven years, and we wish him well once he stands down from the role in March.”

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