Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, BBSRC Executive Chair, said: “I am delighted to welcome Stella Peace as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees at Quadram Institute Bioscience. Stella brings a highly relevant combination of scientific and commercial acumen, having translated research into real economic and societal impact across food systems, health technologies and manufacturing throughout her career at Innovate UK, Unilever and Nomad Foods. This expertise is exceptionally well matched to Quadram’s mission and to the wider ambitions of Norwich Research Park. I would like to thank Celia for her outstanding contribution as Chair over the past six years. Her leadership has helped strengthen Quadram’s position as a vital part of the UK’s research landscape, and BBSRC is grateful for her dedication and service.”

Dr Celia Caulcott said: “Over the past six years it has been my honour to chair the board and strengthen QIB’s strategic value to UK plc and society as whole.  I became Chair of QIB when we were getting to grips with the start of the pandemic. The response of Quadram research to Covid was really significant and we have continued to undertake research and innovation that makes a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people – real world impact in action.  I’m pleased to be able to hand over the reins to someone of Stella’s calibre and experience.”

Dr Stella Peace said: “It is an honour to have been appointed to succeed Celia Caulcott as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Quadram Institute Bioscience from next year. I know Celia’s contribution to the institute has been immense and it is a privilege for me to build on the strong foundations that have been laid under her leadership.”

“I look forward to listening and learning from colleagues across Quadram and its wider community, and to working with the Board, leadership team and partners to build on Quadram’s strengths and maximise the impact it can have on health, food and the wider economy.”

Dr Stella Peace is an experienced Chair, Non-Executive Director and scientist with a career spanning industry, innovation and the UK research ecosystem. She is Chair of Innovate UK Business Connect and a Board member of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and AberInnovation. Stella previously served as Managing Director of Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) where she led major national investments in life sciences, health technologies, food systems and manufacturing.

Prior to UKRI, Stella held senior R&D leadership roles at Unilever and Nomad Foods, leading global innovation organisations and translating science into commercial and societal impact. She brings extensive experience across academia, industry, government and investors, with expertise spanning bioscience, health innovation, food systems and sustainability.   Stella holds a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from Durham University.

Professor Daniel Figeys, Director and CEO of Quadram Institute Bioscience, said: “I’m delighted to announce Stella’s appointment as Chair from next year. Stella’s skills and experience are perfectly aligned with Quadram Institute Bioscience’s mission to bring real health and economic benefits to our society in the years ahead.

“I also want to place on record our profound thanks to Celia for her leadership as Chair of our Board since 2020. Celia has made a real impact on the institute, and we are all the stronger for it.”