Asthma expert to become NC3Rs Board Chair

Professor Holgate is Clinical Professor of Immunology at the University of Southampton with research focused on the treatment of allergies, asthma and related airway disorders.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr Vicky Robinson, Chief Executive, NC3Rs said:
"We are delighted that Stephen will be joining us as Board Chair, he brings very valuable expertise in asthma research combined with extensive links across the research sector. He will be an excellent ambassador for our work to embed the 3Rs in mainstream science."

Commenting on his new appointment, Professor Holgate said:
"I am greatly looking forward to continuing my work with the NC3Rs over the next five years in this new capacity and driving forward the vital work to replace, reduce and refine animal use in science."

Professor Holgate qualified in Medicine at Charing Cross Hospital Medical School in London, UK. After completing his postgraduate training he moved to Southampton to establish his research group.  He was appointed a Medical Research Council MRC Clinical Professor in 1987 and has published over 970 peer reviewed papers and edited 60 books on asthma and allied disorders.

A multi award-winning clinical researcher, including the American Thoracic Society Recognition Award for Scientific Accomplishments in 2012, Professor Holgate is Chairman of the UK's National Allergy Strategy Group and the current Chair of Main Panel A of the UK Research Excellence Framework 2014 for evaluating research in Medical, Health and Life Science in UK Universities. Professor Holgate will also retain his existing position as Chair of the NC3Rs Asthma Advisory Group, which directs the centre's work and strategic funding to develop non-animal alternatives for use in the development of new asthma drugs.

Professor Holgate replaces Professor Ian Kimber OBE, University of Manchester, who steps down from the post after five years, "Ian has been a leading light for the NC3Rs, taking our science-led approach into new areas and expertly steering our organisation through a period of continued growth." said Dr Robinson.

Professor Kimber said:
"I have known Stephen for many years, and we have worked together frequently in the past. I have the very greatest respect for him, and I am confident that the NC3Rs will continue to flourish with his guidance and support."

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is the major core funder of the NC3Rs, Professor Sir John Savill, Chief Executive, MRC, said:
"The appointment of Professor Stephen Holgate is great news.  Stephen's commitment and drive is well known to the MRC, not least for the way in which he expertly chaired our Population and Systems Medicine Board."