Changes to R2HC’s Advisory Group Chair

Alistair Ager becomes Chair of R2HC’s Advisory Group as Jimmy Whitworth steps down

Earlier this year we said a huge thank you and farewell to Jimmy Whitworth, who stepped down from his position as Chair of our Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) programme’s Advisory Group.

Jimmy served as Chair since the Advisory Group was founded in 2018 to provide the R2HC with strategic advice and guidance. Prior to this, Jimmy had already been instrumental in establishing the R2HC, along with other partners, while working at Wellcome.

During his time as Chair, Jimmy provided us with invaluable guidance on our programme direction, particularly with respect to our rapid research response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and our impact evaluation last year.

Reflecting on Jimmy’s tenure, Anne Harmer, Head of the R2HC programme shared:

“We were very lucky in having Jimmy as Advisory Group Chair. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience, understood well the critical need for an evidence-based humanitarian health response, and was a great supporter of the R2HC”.

Jimmy has undoubtedly helped shape the R2HC and we would like to thank him for his contribution over the years.

Welcoming Alastair Ager as the new chair

Following Jimmy’s departure, we are pleased to have welcomed Alastair Ager as the new Chair.

Alastair is extremely well-positioned to take on this role; as a former R2HC grant recipient, Funding Committee member and current Advisory Group member, he brings significant understanding of the part the R2HC programme plays in the current global humanitarian research field. He also has extensive knowledge of the humanitarian policy landscape through his former position as Deputy Scientific Adviser at the Department for International Development (now the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office). His familiarity with the programme will be an asset as he leads the eight-strong Advisory Group in shaping our work.

As the Head of R2HC, Anne Harmer, reflects:

“We’re delighted Alastair has taken on the role of Advisory Group Chair at this critical time when we’re consolidating our current phase of work and preparing for the next. Having been involved with the programme in different capacities since 2013, the perspectives Alastair brings will undoubtedly be useful as we move forward”.

Alastair takes on the role of Chair at an exciting time for R2HC as we work to deliver our next Forum in 2025, and as we seek the Advisory Group’s support in implementing our ambitious new strategy for humanitarian research and innovation.