The Agri‑Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Northern Ireland has appointed Dr. Iain Williams as its new CEO.
Dr. Williams will take up his position from September 1.
He joins AFBI from the Natural Environment Research Council (UKRI‑NERC), where he has served as director of strategic partnerships since 2020.
In this role, he led national capability research, infrastructure and data programmes across NERC’s research institutes.
He brings a strong scientific background in entomology, epidemiology and population dynamics, alongside extensive experience across government and international science policy.
Prior to joining NERC, he held a range of scientific and policy roles within the UK government, at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Home Office.
He also served internationally as the Home Office’s science and technology counsellor to the US.
New AFBI CEO
Commenting on the appointment, Prof. Grace Mulcahy, chair of the AFBI board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Iain to AFBI.
“His appointment comes at a time of positive change for our organisation.
“His breadth of experience across science, policy and partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to deliver our strategy and address the complex challenges facing the agri‑food and environmental sectors in Northern Ireland.”
Williams said AFBI has a “great reputation for scientific excellence and impact across its wide and important remit”.
“I look forward to working with the board, colleagues and partners to build on this, delivering purpose‑driven science for the Northern Ireland economy, environment and society,” he said.
Grace also paid tribute to the outgoing CEO Dr. Stanley McDowell, who is retiring from the institute after serving as CEO since 2018.