Professor Figeys is the founding Director of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and of the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Ottawa in Canada. His research focuses on developing precision microbiome-based nutrition, with an emphasis on modulating specific microbiome metabolites and exploring host-gut microbiome interactions in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Chair of the Quadram Board of Trustees, Dr Celia Caulcott, said: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Daniel Figeys as the next Director of the Quadram Institute. We look forward to welcoming Daniel to Norwich in April next year.”

“Daniel will join us at an exciting time. The Quadram is an outstanding centre of research and innovation in the vital areas of health, gut microbiology and food innovation, and forms a critical strategic bridge between fundamental science and clinical research thanks to its work with NHS partners, the University of East Anglia, the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and the institutes on the Norwich Research Park.”

Professor Daniel Figeys said: “I am delighted to be taking up this opportunity with the Quadram Institute and to working with all the institute’s partners on the Norwich Research Park. This is a very exciting time for the type of bioscience and clinical research undertaken at the Quadram and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, BBSRC Executive Chair, said: “Daniel’s appointment marks an important development in bolstering our nation’s ability to deliver world-class bioscience. As one of BBSRC’s strategically supported institutes, the Quadram Institute is a crucial pillar of the UK’s national bioscience capability, fostering environments where fundamental research flourishes and innovation thrives.

“His transformative work in microbiome-based nutrition not only reflects Quadram’s dedication to improving lives through innovations in gut health and food science, but it also propels our collective ambition to advance the frontiers of biology towards a healthier, more prosperous and sustainable future.

“Daniel’s expertise will ensure the UK remains a global leader in bioscience, attracting top-tier talent and upholding our proud history of excellence in research and innovation. We are thrilled to welcome him to this new role and look forward to the future contributions his leadership will bring.”

UEA Vice-Chancellor Professor David Maguire said: “Professor Figeys is a distinguished research professor who will add a great deal to the Norwich research community and his leadership will, I am sure, continue to secure world leading outcomes. I look forward to welcoming him to Quadram and UEA next year”.

Dr Bernard Brett, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Medical Director, said: “We’d like to congratulate Prof Figeys on his appointment. We are delighted to have the opportunity of working with him and his team to build on our unique collaborative partnerships with the Quadram Institute and our other Norwich Research Park partners. We are confident that his appointment will help us expand and accelerate the quantity and quality of our portfolio of clinical research.”

Professor Figeys will start in post as Director at the Quadram Institute in April 2025 and his appointment follows the retirement this year of founding Director, Professor Ian Charles OBE.