Alan Turing Institute chief exec resigns after funding threat

The chief executive of the Alan Turing Institute, Dr Jean Innes, has resigned. Her position came under pressure after Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, threatened to withdraw funding unless the institute focused on defence, which led to a whistleblowing complaint claiming staff unrest and a warning that the charity was at risk of collapse.

Dr Innes, who was appointed in July 2023, stated it was the right time for "new leadership." A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said the government is committed to ensuring the institute provides "value for money." Staff who filed the complaint view the resignation as a "first step" and want a complete leadership overhaul. The search for a new CEO is underway to oversee the next phase of work on defence and national security.

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