The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has appointed Professor Robin May as Interim Chief Scientific Officer on a one-year appointment.
He will formally take up the role on 22 September, replacing Professor Isabel Oliver, who earlier this year, was appointed as Chief Medical Officer for Wales.
Professor May is currently Chief Scientific Adviser at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), a position he has held since July 2020. As FSA Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor May provides scientific advice across the full spectrum of food safety and standards, including assessment of chemical contaminants, toxicological risks, carcinogens, and microbiological hazards.
Professor May is also Professor of Infectious Disease at the University of Birmingham and, prior to joining the FSA, he was Director of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection. His research expertise spans microbiology and infection, with broader experience in scientific risk assessment and evidence-based policy development.
Professor May commented: "I’m delighted to be joining UKHSA as Interim Chief Scientific Officer. The agency plays a vital role in protecting public health across the UK and I’m looking forward to being able to contribute to that mission during this important period. I look forward to working with the talented teams at UKHSA and supporting the agency’s invaluable work in safeguarding the nation’s health."