Professor Jan Meyer-Sahling awarded the Sir Francis Hill Chair

We are delighted to announce that the School of Politics and International Relations' Professor Jan Meyer-Sahling has been awarded the prestigious Sir Francis Hill Chair. 

The named Chair is intended to recognise the legacy of Sir Francis Hill who, in addition to serving as a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, also played a key role in one of the most significant local government reforms in modern UK history. Through his work on governance, Sir Francis Hill advocated for reform, efficiency, and professionalism in local administration. Professor Meyer-Sahling’s work, which guides civil service reform for governments around the world, is perfectly aligned to this legacy. Like Sir Francis Hill, and his predecessor, Emeritus Professor Paul Heywood, Professor Meyer-Sahling is promoting best practices and democratic principles in civil administrations across Europe and beyond.

Professor Meyer-Sahling exemplifies the integration of academic excellence with real-world policy impact, particularly in the fields of civil service reform, governance, and public administration. He has secured substantial research funding from leading UK and international bodies, led innovative field experiments and surveys across Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, and South Asia that have influenced large-scale anti-corruption and ethics training, and contributed to multiple REF impact case studies. His work extends beyond his excellent and extensive scholarship to sustained policy engagement with governments and multilateral organisations.

Within the School, he has supported colleagues, especially early career researchers, to improve their practice in research, knowledge exchange and policy impact. As Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange, he transformed the School’s research management during REF2021 cycle, designing its first Research Strategy and driving a step change in funding, impact, and research quality, leaving a lasting mark on the School’s trajectory.

Professor Meyer-Sahling embodies the values of scholarly distinction, innovation, and academic citizenship that this chair was established to promote. His work not only supports meaningful policy improvements cross nationally but also enhances the global reputation of the University of Nottingham.