Defra Chief Scientist visits campus

Posted 16 August 2013

Defra Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Boyd, visited Harper Adams this week to discuss the university’s role in training the next generation.

Professor Boyd met with staff and researchers to discuss the sector’s need for graduates and Harper Adams’s contribution to training the existing workforce.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Mills, said: “This has been a great opportunity for Professor Boyd to meet a group of active applied research scientist and to also be brought up to speed with our thoughts about how Harper, with its links to industry, might contribute to the recently announced agri-tech strategy.”

Professor Boyd was appointed Chief Scientific Adviser at Defra (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) in April 2011.

The role provides Ministerial advice on evidence base to support policy decisions; ensures quality and fit-for-purpose science; raises the profile of Defra science and manage interface with the public; and is a member of the Defra Supervisory Board.