Professor Rob Field has been appointed Director of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), a world-leading centre for industry focussed biotechnology research based at The University of Manchester.
Professor Field, currently a group leader at the John Innes Centre, will join the MIB on 1 January 2020. He has spent his career operating across chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and plant science. When he joins, he will bring to the MIB extensive experience of interdisciplinary science and the resourcing, management, and commercialisation of results.
Professor Field said: "My appointment as Director of MIB presents an exciting opportunity to join a leading international University that has the strongest commitment to science, technology and its interface with industry, while also championing social responsibility.
"The MIB provides an ideal setting for scientists, technologists and innovators, and we need to ensure that it is recognised internationally as the go-to place for biotechnology research, training and commercialisation.
He added; "The challenges and opportunities presented by the global need for bio-based economies are manifold. Working across traditional discipline boundaries and along the length of the discovery-to-application pipeline are key.
"The MIB provides an ideal setting for scientists, technologists and innovators, and we need to ensure that it is recognised internationally as the go-to place for biotechnology research, training and commercialisation. I look forward to refreshing and extending the fantastic programs that [outgoing Director] Professor Scrutton and colleagues have developed over the past ten years."
Professor Martin Schroder, Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, commented: "I am thrilled and delighted that Rob Field is joining us as Director of MIB, and as Professor in the Department of Chemistry.
"As well as being an internationally-recognised research leader, [Prof Field] has a wealth of leadership experience that will be invaluable in promoting and expanding our activities across biotechnology, and ensuring strong impact and translation of our research."
Industrial biotechnology
Industrial biotechnology is one of The University of Manchester's research beacons - examples of pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet. #ResearchBeacons
