Professor Richard Cogdell has been appointed to the council of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The Council is the top-level decision-making body of the BBSRC, accountable to Parliament for its activities.

Professor Cogdell is one of five new members announced by David Willets, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills. His appointment with affect from 1 April and will run until 31 March 2018.

Professor Cogdell is currently the Hooker Professor of Botany at the University of Glasgow, Director of the Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology and Deputy Head of the College of the Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society.

He said: “It is a great honour to be appointed a member of the BBSRC Council and I very much look forward to contributing to its objectives.”

Professor Cogdell has considerable experience in translating bioscience research into impact. Since the early 1970’s Richard has been involved in research on bacterial photosynthesis.

He is now increasingly concentrating on using the information gained from his research to devise ways of using solar energy to produce fuels. To this end, he, together with Lee Cronin in Chemistry at Glasgow, have founded the Glasgow Solar Fuels Initiative.

This work involves a wide range of collaborations both within the University and in the USA, Japan, Germany, Poland and Italy.

Professor Anna Dominiczak said: “The appointment of Professor Cogdell to the council of the BBSRC is recognition of his expertise and contribution to science and a significant milestone for biomedical research at Glasgow.

“I am delighted he has been appointed and I am sure he will play an important role in decision-making at the BBSRC and guiding research policy.”

Members of the BBSRC Council are appointed by the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills and are comprised of Chair, Chief Executive and 17 other members, at least half of whom are appointed for their qualifications in science and engineering.

Eligible members of Council will receive an honorarium of £6,850 per year. The honorarium is paid in respect of all duties carried out during their appointment to Council. Details of Council Members' interests are available on the BBSRC website.

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Media enquiries: stuart.forsyth@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 4831

First published: 11 April 2014