Rishi Sunak, the former UK prime minister, has announced prestigious new roles at both Oxford University and Stanford University, marking a notable return to his academic roots. As reported by The Times UK, Sunak will serve as a member of the World Leaders Circle at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government and as a visiting fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution in California.
These appointments come as Sunak, who remains the Conservative MP for Richmond & Northallerton, charts a new course following his premiership.
Sunak expressed his excitement about the opportunities to contribute to his former universities, both of which shaped his academic and professional journey. Having studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Oxford before earning an MBA at Stanford, Sunak described his affection for both institutions as “immense.”
“Both Blavatnik and Hoover do superb work on how we can rise to the economic and security challenges we face and seize the technological opportunities of our time,” Sunak said. “I have huge affection for both Oxford and Stanford. I was fortunate enough to study at both, they shaped my life and career, and I look forward to contributing to their world-leading research in the months and years ahead.”
Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, established in 2010 with a £75 million donation from philanthropist Sir Leonard Blavatnik, is a globally recognized center for public policy research and education. The school’s World Leaders Circle has included prominent figures such as Iván Duque, the former president of Colombia.
Lord William Hague, the chancellor of Oxford University, praised Sunak’s appointment, noting that his “deep understanding of the challenges facing governments today” would be an invaluable resource for students and researchers.
“Rishi’s connection to Oxford University runs deep, and it’s great to see him coming back to his alma mater to contribute in such a meaningful way. His insights will inspire the next generation of leaders who are starting their journey here at Oxford,” Hague said.
At Stanford, Sunak will join the Hoover Institution, a renowned public policy think tank. Condoleezza Rice, the former U.S. secretary of state and director of the Hoover Institution, welcomed Sunak’s involvement, calling his “extensive policy and global experience” a significant addition to the fellowship.
“The United States and the UK share a very special bond, and we look forward to the impact of his work on the many challenges facing democracies and the world in years to come,” Rice said.
Sunak’s move mirrors a path taken by other former prime ministers who have embraced academic roles post-office. Sir Tony Blair taught at Yale University, while Gordon Brown became a “distinguished leader in residence” at New York University.
Sunak’s blend of economic expertise and global policy experience is expected to enrich the work at both institutions. The Times UK notes that Sunak’s dual roles highlight the strong transatlantic ties between the U.S. and the UK, as well as the increasing importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges.
While Sunak remains active in UK politics, his new academic appointments signal a shift toward shaping policy and mentoring future leaders. Both Oxford and Stanford, in their respective statements, underscored the value of Sunak’s real-world experience in navigating complex economic and geopolitical landscapes.
