STFC Council - new members appointed

Dame Julia Goodfellow and Mr Ian Taylor have been appointed by David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science as new members of STFC Council with effect from 1 April 2011. They will serve until 31 March 2014. The two new appointments take the total membership of Council to 11.

"The addition of Dame Julia and Mr Taylor will bring a valuable combination of scientific governance and public policy expertise to Council's deliberations," Chair of Council Professor Michael Sterling said. "STFC already delivers significant scientific, societal, economic and international benefit to the United Kingdom. Our combination of technologies, facilities and skilled staff positions us well to increase the delivery of these benefits, and the new Council members will help ensure we achieve our maximum potential."

Mr Philip Greenish, Dr Philip Kaziewicz and Professor Keith Burnett have stepped down as members of Council having completed their terms of office. "Mr Greenish, Dr Kaziewicz and Professor Burnett have been members of Council since STFC was launched. Their support and advice has been invaluable, and STFC is undoubtedly a stronger organisation both in the UK and internationally as a result." Professor Sterling said. Appointments are made by the Minister based on merit and with independent assessment, taking account of the need to balance the Council in terms of range of experience.

The new Council members with effect from 1 April 2011 are:

Dame Julia Goodfellow (Scientific member)

Dame Julia is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent and took up her post in September 2007. She is Chair of the British Science Association and Trustee of a number of organisations including STEMNET and the Daphne Jackson Trust. She was also elected to the Board of Universities UK to serve from 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2013.

Dame Julia was previously Chief Executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). She was awarded a CBE in 2001 and a DBE for her services to science in 2010.

Mr Ian Taylor (Governance and Public Policy member)

Mr Taylor is on the board of several companies, mainly involved in aspects of software and technology. These include Living PlanIT SA (Chairman) which develops and applies innovative technologies for environmentally sustainable urban developments and AIM public relations company Next Fifteen Communications Group plc (non-executive director).

Mr Taylor was a Member of Parliament for 23 years until deciding to stand down at the 2010 General Election. He was Minister for Science and Technology at the Department of Trade and Industry during 1994 - 1997. He was an officer of several all Party committees, including chairing the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee 2008-10.

Notes for editors

These appointments have been made in accordance with the requirements of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice. 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 (if any declared) to be made public. None of the appointees have declared any political activity or holds any other public appointment. An honorarium of £6850 per year is currently paid to all members.

Contacts

• Stephanie Hills
  STFC Media Manager
  Tel: +44 (0)1235 445 398
  
  
• Sally Catmull
  Press Officer
  Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
  Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 6577
  Mob: +44 (0)7775 007120