The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, today announced the appointment of Mr Ed Wallis as the new Chair of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the re-appointment of Dr Peter Ringrose as Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Ed Wallis will succeed Sir Rob Margetts on 1 January 2007. The appointment is for four years. Announcing his appointment Alistair Darling said:
"I am delighted to welcome Ed Wallis as Chair of the Natural Environment Research Council. His considerable high level management experience makes him well qualified to provide a strong contribution to the leadership and work of NERC."
Ed Wallis said:
"NERC is currently at the forefront in tackling global issues such as climate change, so I'm delighted to be appointed as its Chair during these important times. Over the years NERC has earned high international regard for the quality of its science and I'm sure there are many exciting challenges ahead. I look forward to taking up the reins in the new year."
Peter Ringrose has agreed to serve for a further two years beyond the end of his present appointment on 30 April 2007. Announcing his re-appointment Alistair Darling said:
"I am also delighted that Peter Ringrose has agreed to continue to lead the BBSRC for a further two years. His extensive pharmaceutical research and management experience is a great asset to the Council."
Peter Ringrose said:
"I am excited about serving a second term as Chair of BBSRC. Biosciences in the UK have never been in a stronger position internationally. The prospect of leveraging this in terms of new business opportunities in biotechnology is particularly encouraging."
Notes to editors
Both appointments have been made in accordance with the requirements of the Code of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Neither appointee has been involved in any relevant political activities in the last five years. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations there is a requirement for appointees' political activity to be made public. Neither holds any other ministerial appointments. They will both receive an honorarium of £15,400 pa.
Ed Wallis is a Chartered Engineer. He is currently Chairman of WS Atkins, Consulting Engineers. He was the founding Chief Executive of Powergen, where he remained for 15 years until retiring as Chairman in 2003. Prior to this he had more than 30 years of experience working for the Central Electricity Generating Board. He has gained a wide range of other Board level experience including the Chairmanships of Lucas Varity and London Underground. He was a member of the Council of Aston University from 1992 to 1998, a member of the Court of Governors of Henley Management College from 1992 to 1998. In 1997 he became a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Peter Ringrose became Chair of BBSRC on 1 May 2003 and will have served for four years on 30 April 2007. He has substantial experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having held senior positions with Bristol-Myers Squibb and before that with Pfizer. His experience in the bioscience sector spans both the USA and the UK.
The Natural Environment Research Council use a budget of about £370m a year to fund and carry out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. The Council address some of the key questions facing mankind, such as global warming, renewable energy and sustainable economic development. http://www.nerc.ac.uk
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is the UK funding agency for research in the life sciences. Sponsored by Government, BBSRC annually spends around £350 million in a wide range of research that makes a significant contribution to the quality of life for UK citizens and that is relevant to a number of important industrial stakeholders including the agriculture, food, chemical, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk