Dr Ian Thompson appointed Rees Centre interim director

The announcement of the interim appointment follows the news that Professor Leon Feinstein will transition into his new position as Director of Department, and comes at a time of positive change for the Rees Centre, with two new senior research leaders in Children’s Social Care due to be appointed in 2026.

Dr Thompson will provide leadership and strategic direction for the Rees Centre over the coming year. He brings extensive experience in leading major research programmes, deep thematic expertise in education and inclusion, a longstanding personal commitment to the field of care, and a strong track record of fostering collaboration and nurturing research communities.

He said: “I am really excited to be taking on the role of interim Director of the Rees Centre. The Rees Centre’s research on children’s social care and education is incredibly important and of the highest quality. I look forward to working with everyone at the Centre over the next year to continue to implement the Centre’s vision.”