Come and meet our new CEO

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) announces the appointment of Professor Elaine Watson as Chief Executive. Professor Watson will take up post on 1 June 2016 following the retirement of Professor Seamus Kennedy.

Professor Elaine Watson, who has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
Professor Elaine Watson, who has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
In welcoming Professor Watson to AFBI, Mr Colm McKenna, Chair of the AFBI Board said, “Professor Watson brings a wealth of scientific and management experience to the role. My Board colleagues and I look forward to working with Elaine as we seek to build further on AFBI’s international reputation for excellence in science in support of the local agri-food industry.”

Professor Watson said, “I am delighted to be joining the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and working with staff and stakeholders to help address the significant challenges and opportunities for the Northern Ireland agri-food industry.”

Professor Watson will be available to meet stakeholders at AFBI’s Open Day to be held on Thursday 2 June 2016 at AFBI’s research farm at Hillsborough, Co. Down. The theme of the event is “AFBI Science Making a Difference” and a particular focus will address the Dairy Farming Crisis – Using Research Information to Improve Technical Efficiency.

There will also be an opportunity to hear a short presentation on Genomics to Improve Livestock Farming and the new Centre for Innovation in Livestock Excellence, as well as other cutting edge science AFBI is carrying out in support of the local agri-food industry.