New Heads of Centres Announced

Forest Research has appointed a new Head of Centre for Sustainable Forestry and Climate Change and Head of Centre for Ecosystems, Society and Biosecurity.

Emily Brennan joins FR as Head of Centre for Sustainable Forestry and Climate Change from the National Trust.  She has over 25 years’ experience of conservation and engagement work including land management, species and habitat conservation, applied research, strategic planning, policy development, project management and community engagement.

She has worked on many forestry and woodland issues, projects and programmes, for example the spread of Dutch elm disease in the South Downs National Park, woodland management for rare bats and butterflies, and the development of sustainable local wood-fuel economies.

Emily said: “I am really looking forward to working for Forest Research as Head of Science Centre.  I’ve always been passionate about trees and woodlands and am delighted to have been offered this exciting opportunity.  My great grandfather was a woodsman and wheelwright from the South Downs so I think that trees must run in my blood.”

Gerard Clover has been appointed as FR’s Head of Centre for Ecosystems, Society and Biosecurity and joins on 1st February 2021. Gerard previously worked as Head of Plant Health in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). He has also been on secondment to work as Impact and Engagement Manager for the BRIGIT project, employed by the John Innes Centre, where he worked with partners, including Forest Research, to ensure that policy-makers’ needs were met and that the interests of industry stakeholders were integral to the project. Gerard has also worked in New Zealand managing the government’s reference laboratory for plant pests and diseases and leading the development of phytosanitary regulatory policy for imported plants and plant products. During this period he also worked for the IPPC Secretariat coordinating the development of international standards.

Gerard said: “I am looking forward to working with scientists in Forest Research and with stakeholders to help deliver the Science and Innovation Strategy for forestry in Great Britain. The importance of trees and forests is recognised by government and the investment in Forest Research staff and infrastructure will allow us to provide the evidence and knowledge they need.”