News - Academia/Research

Cambridge University don, Professor Sir Tom Blundell, has been appointed chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), one of the most influential positions for bioscience in the UK.

The BBSRC invests over £420 million annually into cutting edge bioscience research and related training, underpinning advances in crop science, food safety, diet and health and pharmaceuticals.

It is the main public funder of bioscience research in the UK and one of six research councils funded through the Department for Innovation for Universities and Skills.

As chair, Prof Blundell will have ultimate responsibility for the BBSRC’s overall strategy.

He is expected to take up the position on July 1 following approval of the appointment by MPs from the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Select Committee.

Prof Blundell is co-founder of Cambridge structure-based drug discovery company, Astex Therapeutics.