New Chairman for Moredun Research Institute
Moredun Research Institute has today announced the appointment of a new Chairman. Professor Sandy Trees will lead the Moredun Research Institute with John Ross remaining as the Chairman of the Moredun Foundation.
Professor Trees has made an enormous contribution to research into livestock health and is internationally recognised for this knowledge of veterinary parasitology. He qualified from Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 1969, became a senior lecturer at the University of Liverpool in 1980, before being appointed Head of the Parasite and Vector Biology Division and then subsequently Dean of Liverpool’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, where he remained until his retirement in 2008.
Funded by over £15m of external grants, Professor Tree’s research has produced over 120 scientific papers and numerous presentations at regional, national and international conferences. Professor Tree’s has maintained an active interest in veterinary education and was President of the Association of Veterinary Teachers and Research Workers from 1996 to 1997, and President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2009. He has also been a Council member of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, a founding Diplomat of the European Veterinary Parasitology College and is an Executive Board member of the World Association for Veterinary Parasitology.
The Moredun Research Institute conducts internationally recognised research on the infectious diseases of livestock, caused by important viruses, bacteria and parasites. Moredun has an established global reputation for the high quality of its science and has been independently ranked as one of the top 10 research institute worldwide.
Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Scientific Director of Moredun Research Institute was very pleased to welcome Professor Trees to the MRI board. She commented, “Professor Trees will bring his scientific, leadership and political skills to the Chairman’s role at The Moredun Research Institute. He will lead a very strong and balanced board of farmers, scientists and other major stakeholders and ensure Moredun continues to deliver on animal health, food security and climate change agendas.”
John Ross, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation agreed, adding, “It has been a major achievement for Moredun to be able to recruit someone of Professor Tree’s caliber and will further enhance Moredun’s reputation both nationally and internationally. I very much look forward to working with him.”
Professor Trees replaces John Jeffrey, Scottish farmer and member of the International Rugby Board, who served as MRI chairman from 2004 to 2011. Commenting on his appointment, Professor Trees said, “I am delighted to be invited to take up this role. The Moredun Research Institute has a long and distinguished history in animal health research and I am very proud to now be a part of this outstanding and unique organization.”