Harper Adams University has welcomed sustainable livestock systems expert, Professor Michael Lee, to the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Lee will undertake a wide range of duties overseeing the academic activities of the university as well as deputising for the Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Llewellyn.
Announcing the appointment, Dr Llewellyn said: “I am delighted to welcome Michael to the University. His experience and expertise will be invaluable as we move ahead with the delivery of our new strategic plan. Michael is joining us at a time when the UK’s agricultural system is going through a major transition, and his contribution to our work will help strengthen the support we can provide to the industry, through education and research, in the years ahead.”
Professor Lee added: “I am very excited and honoured to be joining Harper Adams University at a vital time for UK agriculture. The growth at Harper Adams University has been truly phenomenal, not only in terms of its student intake and campus development but also its stature. Investment in critical areas of growth for sustainable agriculture in terms of precision Ag and artificial intelligence, agricultural engineering, environmental policy and land use, food and veterinary science (including One-Health, as exemplified by the Covid-19 pandemic) are inspirational.
Professor Michael Lee has published more than 250 research articles and papers including recent articles in Nature and Science and was awarded the Sir John Hammond Memorial Prize in 2015 for services to Animal Science.
In August 2016, he was elected as Vice President of the European Federation of Animal Science Livestock Farming Systems Commission and in August 2019 became President of the commission. In April 2018 he was elected as Vice President of the British Society of Animal Science and will also take on the Presidency in April 2021.