FOOD SAFETY EXPERT APPOINTED TO LEAD IGFS 

05 May 2016

Queen’s University has announced the appointment of world-leading expert in animal agriculture and associated supply chains, Professor Nigel Scollan, as Director of the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS). He will take up the post on 1 September 2016.

A graduate in animal science from the University of Edinburgh, Professor Scollan who also has a PhD from Edinburgh, then undertook a two-year postdoctoral at University of Guelph. In 1993, he took up a research scientist position at Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER).

In 2008, IGER emerged into Aberystwyth University as part of the Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) to form one of the largest groups of academics and support staff in the UK focusing on plant, animal, environment and land based sciences. Professor Scollan held senior management positions in both Institutes, including Waitrose Professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Director of Enterprise at IBERS and was most recently Director of Enterprise at IBERS Aberystwyth University.

Welcoming Professor Scollan to Queen’s, Professor Chris Elliott, former Director of IGFS and now Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, said: “Professor Scollan has a strong track record in agricultural and food research and knowledge exchange. I look forward to working with him as we seek to build on the Institute’s international reputation for excellence in food security research and teaching.

“Food security is a global challenge that permeates human health, sustainable economic development, environment and trade. Under Nigel’s leadership, the Institute’s cutting-edge research will continue to play a valuable role in developing solutions to the complex problem of delivering safe, nutritious, sustainable and authentic food supplies to the world’s rapidly growing population.”

Commenting on his appointment Professor Scollan said: “I am delighted to be joining Queen’s Institute for Global Food Security and I look forward to working with staff, students and stakeholders to help address the significant challenges and opportunities in agriculture, food and health.”

A Past President of the British Society of Animal Science and a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society in the UK, Professor Scollan’s research is focused on grassland-based ruminant systems. He also was involved in many government, industry and academic forums addressing issues in agriculture and food. Professor Scollan is chair of the management board of the scientific journal Animal and has published over 200 scientific papers, contributed book chapters and abstracts on animal science.

Nigel Scollan is a past pupil of Portora Royal School located in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, where he left in 1984.

Media inquiries to Michelle Cassidy (Thurs-Fri) or Anne-Marie Clarke (Mon-Wed) at Queen’s Communications Office; telephone +44 (0)28 9097 5310.

 

 

 

 

 

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