NOC welcomes Defra science adviser appointment

The National Oceanography Centre has welcomed the appointment of Professor Ian Boyd as Defra’s new Chief Scientific Adviser.

Professor Boyd, who is Director of the Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St Andrews, and the NERC Sea Mammal Research Unit, a Delivery Partner of NOC, will join Defra in September on a three-year contract. Professor Boyd will sit on the Department’s  Board and will oversee the quality of evidence that Defra relies upon to make policy decisions. The Chief Scientific Adviser also advises ministers and sets priorities for scientific research. He will replace Professor Sir Bob Watson.

NOC Executive Director, Professor Ed Hill, said “I am sure that everyone across the UK marine science community will join in congratulating Ian on this prestigious and influential appointment. Ian has been instrumental in delivering the Oceans 2025 programme and helping us shape the vision for UK marine science for the next five to ten years. I look forward to working with him in this new role.”