Just what the doctors ordered

Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, deputy rector of Imperial College London, is tipped to take over as chief executive of the Medical Research Council when Colin Blakemore departs this month. The Times Higher understands that ministerial approval has been given, but Sir Leszek has not yet signed on the dotted line. Medical academics have been hoping for an appointee who will stand up to the MRC's hands-on chairman, Sir John Chisholm. In approving Sir Leszek, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills may have granted their wish.