PROFESSOR MAURICE MOLONEY, one of the world's leading plant biologists, has been appointed as the new chief of Harpenden's Rothamsted Research.
Currently chief scientific officer of SemBioSys Genetics, a top biotechnology firm based in Calgary in Canada, he will take up the post of director and chief executive of Rothamsted in April to replace Ian Crute, who left last summer.
Professor Douglas Kell, chief executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Rothamsted's governing body, said: “Maurice Moloney brings a unique combination of skills and experience that combines top class plant cell science with effective translation of research into successful business activity.
"His experience of leadership in academic, commercial and policy arenas will help Rothamsted Research to capitalise fully on its scientific strengths and play its full role working closely with other UK and international partners, in delivering food security and sustainable bioenergy."
Originally from Ireland, Professor Moloney has written more than 80 scientific papers and holds more than 300 patents. He specialises in the use of plants to derive medical or therapeutical products such as insulin, as well as improving crops through genetic engineering.
Before founding SemBioSys Genetics in 1984, he worked at the University Of Lausanne in Switzerland and a company producing genetically modified oilseed rape in California.
Rothamsted's acting director Peter Shewry said: “Maurice’s leadership will not only ensure our research is of the highest international quality, but also build on our strength in ensuring it is translated into useful outcomes for the industry and the public.”
Professor Moloney said: “Rothamsted Research is one of the most powerful engines for agricultural research in the world.
"It will be a great privilege to lead future scientific developments at the institute and to deploy its science in meeting the challenges of sustainable food supply, bio-based energy and mitigation of agriculture’s carbon footprint for the benefit of both UK and global agriculture."
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