New Director for the Institute of Food Research

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Alastair Robertson as Director of the Institute of Food Research, with effect from 3 April 2000. He succeeds Professor Peter Schroeder.

With a first degree and PhD specialising in plant biochemistry at the University of Bath, and a Post Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Cambridge, Dr Robertson is currently the Technical Director for Safeway Stores plc where he is responsible for a team of 130 people covering a breadth of scientific and technical disciplines. He joined the company in 1992 as Head of Research and Development, having spent the previous 10 years at the Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association, where he became Director of Food Science.

Dr Robertson has active food policy and research interests and sits on a number of senior scientific committees including the Government's Technology Foresight Panel on the Food Chain and Crops for Industry, and the BBSRC's Network Committee. He chairs the Foresight Task Force on skills for the food industry, the British Retail Consortium's Food Technical Committee, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service's Food Industry Advisory Committee and the Institute of Grocery Distribution's GMO Labelling Sub-committee.

"I am delighted that we have been able to secure the services of Alastair Robertson", said BBSRC Chief Executive, Professor Raymond Baker FRS. "His research background, managerial experience in a forward-looking and highly competitive research and development environment, together with top level experience in the food industry, provide exactly the blend of skills and know-how that we have been seeking. His leadership and expertise will be vital in securing and developing the strong industrial and academic links which are so vital to IFR's continuing success as we enter the 21^st Century".

Note for Editors: This release was originally issued by BBSRC, dated 31 Jan 00

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