Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute appoints Dr Iain Williams as Chief Executive Officer
Date published:
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has announced the appointment of Dr Iain Williams as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr Williams will take up his position from 1st September.
Iain 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, Iain 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 United States.
Commenting on the appointment, Prof Grace Mulcahy, Chair of 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.”
Dr Iain Williams said:
“I am delighted to be joining AFBI at this exciting time. The Institute has a great reputation for scientific excellence and impact across its wide and important remit, and 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.”
Grace also paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Executive Officer Dr Stanley McDowell, who is retiring from the Institute after serving as CEO since 2018. Stanley first joined the Department of Agriculture in 1988, moving to Stormont as a Veterinary Research Officer in 1990 and later served as Director of the Veterinary Sciences Division. On behalf of the Board, Executive Management Team and all the staff, Grace thanked him for his dedication, passion and long‑standing service to animal health and the agri‑food sector.
Notes to editors:
AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.
AFBI’s Purpose is to deliver trusted, independent research, statutory & surveillance science, and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments.
AFBI’s strategic priorities:
- Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability;
- Protecting animal, plant and human health;
- Enhancing the natural and marine environment;
- Delivering quality outcomes and impact;
- Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology.