Jonathan is founding Director of Different Angles Ltd, a consultancy that focuses on the social impact of universities and research. His main interests are in biomedical and health R&D policy, research impact assessment, the use of research and evidence in policy and decision-taking, and the social purpose of universities in the 21st century. Jonathan has significant international experience, having helped formulate and implement R&D and other strategies in, for example, the UK, Greece, Norway, Qatar, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada and the USA.
Jonathan used to be professor of public policy at King’s College London, which he joined in 2014 to set up the Policy Institute at King’s and was its Director until 2017. He stepped down to “hold the pen” on developing King’s strategic vision 2029 and was subsequently appointed Vice President & Vice Principal (Service). Service is King’s award-winning and unique commitment to social responsibility and covers a range of activities including social reform, research impact, service-led learning, volunteering, and environment sustainability. It is one of King’s five strategic priorities and encapsulates King’s commitment to society beyond education and research. Jonathan decided to leave King’s in 2021 to focus his efforts on Different Angles.
Prior to joining King’s, Jonathan was President of RAND Europe between June 2006 and October 2012, where he oversaw the doubling of the organisation’s activity in Europe and the establishment of the Cambridge Centre for Health Services Research, a joint venture with the University of Cambridge. Before joining RAND in 2002, he was Head of Policy at the Wellcome Trust. Jonathan is currently a Trustee of the Association of Medical Research Charities.
Jonathan’s book, The New Power University. The social purpose of higher education in the 21st century, was published by Pearson in March 2021.