NERC - New Director of Science for NERC

15 May 2013

Professor Iain Gillespie has been appointed as the new Director of Science for NERC.

Currently Visiting Professor at the Innogen Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Iain works on the dynamics of knowledge networks. Iain is one of the earliest exponents of the concept of a bioeconomy, championing eco-efficiency and green growth during ten years at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD), where as a Head of Division he oversaw work on research infrastructure and funding, evaluation and monitoring of science, technology & innovation (STI) systems, governance of international cooperation on STI to meet global challenges, and on biotechnology, nanotechnology and technology convergence.

Professor Duncan Wingham, NERC Chief Executive, said, "We are delighted that Iain is joining NERC as Director of Science. He brings to NERC a wealth of experience in science and in government, both here in the UK and internationally. We look forward to working with Iain to give the emerging NERC strategy real impetus and direction."

In commenting on his appointment, Iain said, "I can think of no area of scientific endeavour more important to our society, our economy and, indeed, to our world right now - than environmental science. NERC research is truly world-leading and can and must continue to help us shape our future as our environment changes and as we strive to deliver future greener and more sustainable growth. I am immensely proud to be given the opportunity to work hand-in-glove with the broad NERC community to achieve this."

In previous roles, Iain has worked in the biotechnology industry and in policy posts in the UK Departments of the Environment, of Health, of Trade & Industry and in the Cabinet Office. He supported the UK's Chief Scientific Advisor in developing advice to the UK Cabinet on climate change in the run-up to agreement of the Kyoto Protocol, and was one of the UK's negotiators preparing the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Iain holds a PhD in Microbiology (Edinburgh), an MA in International Relations & European Affairs (Kent) and an MBA (Open). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and a Fellow of the Society of Biology.

Iain will take up his new post on 1?September 2013. The role is being covered in the interim by Dr Pamela Kempton.

Further information

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Briefing note: 07/13

Source: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/press/briefings/2013/07-science.asp

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