The Chair of QIB’s Board of Trustees, microbiologist Dr Celia Caulcott has also been appointed as the next Vice Chair of the John Innes Centre’s Governing Council.

Celia will continue in her role as Chair of the Quadram Institute, as well as being a trustee of the East Malling Trust, and a local councillor in Surrey.

Director of the Quadram Institute Prof Ian Charles said: “We welcome Celia’s appointment to the JIC Governing Council in addition to her existing role as Chair of QIB’s trustees. Celia is a great advocate for our science here in Norwich and her role on both boards can only help develop the growing research links between both institutes. We fully endorse her appointment to the John Innes board and offer her our congratulations.”

Dr Caulcott is a distinguished leader in the sector, having worked across higher education, the bio-pharmaceutical industry and agri-food industry. Most recently, she was Vice Provost for Enterprise at University College London where she was responsible for the university’s innovation and enterprise strategy. Prior to that she was Executive Director of Innovation and Skills at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

Her term at JIC will begin later this year following the retirement of Dr Deborah Keith, who has successfully served the John Innes Centre as a trustee for seven years, including recent periods as Vice Chair and Acting Chair.

Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett, Chair of the John Innes Centre’s Governing Council said: “It is very sad to be losing Dr Deborah Keith’s skills and experience as Vice Chair of our Council after her long period of outstanding service. She has made a truly significant contribution to the success of the organisation.

We are delighted that Dr Celia Caulcott has agreed to succeed her as Vice Chair, bringing important skills and ambition. This appointment is a further signal of our commitment to working with our partners on the Norwich Research Park to create a national and global centre of excellence in research, teaching, healthcare and new business opportunities.”