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The University of Southampton
Biological Sciences

Southampton Professor takes lead science role in the European Cooperation in Science and Technology

Published: 5 April 2017
Professor Guy Poppy

Professor Guy Poppy, one of the UK’s leading experts on food systems and food security, has been appointed as the UK science representative to the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST).

Professor Poppy will be the sole UK representative on the committee, taking over from Jackie Hunter, CEO of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

He is currently on a part-time secondment role with a non-ministeral Government Department, whilst continuing his world-leading research in global food security at the University of Southampton alongside his role as Chief Scientific Adviser for the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

COST is a unique means for European researchers, engineers and scholars to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all fields of science and technology through trans-European networking of nationally funded research activities. The Scientific Committee gives advice to the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) on the scientific and technological orientation of COST.

Professor Poppy said: “I am delighted and honoured to be the UK representative for COST. Science is a global endeavour and international cooperation and collaboration is essential for ensuring the very best science and scientists come together to address the challenges facing mankind. The breadth of consortia funded by COST is impressive and the topics covered include many which affect our daily lives and I hope to ensure that great science continues to be funded and that the UK is a key player in these important international research programmes.”

A graduate of Imperial College and Oxford University, Professor Poppy previously worked at Rothamsted Research, becoming Principal Scientific Officer. He left in 2001 to join the University of Southampton where he has been Head of Biodiversity and Ecology and, more recently, Head of Biological Sciences. In 2012 he successfully led the move of the large and complex school into a new Life Sciences Building on the University’s Highfield Campus and has also held the position of Director of Interdisciplinary Research From 2011-2014, prior to taking up his senior role in a Government Department.

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