New member appointed to Expert Committee on Forest Science

The Forestry Commission Expert Committee on Forest Science (ECFS) has appointed a new member, Richard Buggs.  

Professor of Evolutionary Genomics at Queen Mary University of London, and Senior Research Leader (Plant Health and Adaptation) at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richard Buggs joins as the ECFS’s tree health and resilience committee member from 1 September 2026.  

The ECFS is established by the Board of Forestry Commissioners to provide independent, expert advice and assurance on the quality of science and evidence provided by Forest Research and other providers.  

The ECFS also acts as a resource to advise, if required, the Research Strategy Reference Group, which provides the cross-border mechanism by which the Forestry Commission, the UK Government and the devolved administrations formulate and deliver strategies for forestry science in the UK to support the objectives of forestry in the UK. 

Richard Buggs said:  

“I am very much looking forward to joining the Expert Committee on Forest Science and being involved with the valuable work of Forest Research. Tree health and tree improvement needs to be high on the agenda as we plan for future forestry in Britain. Forest trees face accumulating threats from pests, pathogens and climate whilst at the same time, we are trying to massively increase forest cover in Britain. To meet these threats and opportunities, it is essential that forestry practices are informed by the best possible scientific evidence.” 

I am excited about the new capabilities in tree health and look forward to contributing towards this as part of my new role

He continued: 

“Forest Research has a unique position within the UK forestry sector due to its close relationship with the Forestry Commission, Defra and the devolved governments. It also has a reach far beyond public forestry as a trusted source of research and advice for all foresters. I am excited about the new capabilities in tree health and look forward to contributing towards this as part of my new role.” 

Professor Andrew Millar, current Chair of the ECFS said, “I am very pleased to welcome Professor Buggs to the Expert Committee on Forest Science. His leading expertise in tree disease research will be a valuable asset to the committee, reinforcing our understanding of this critical dimension in the complex challenges facing UK forests and treescapes and of the associated research needs and opportunities for Forest Research. In particular, his work on the genomic basis of disease resistance in trees will bring important insights to our discussions, and we look forward to his contributions to our work.”

For more information about the Expert Committee on Forest Science, visit Expert Committee on Forest Science – GOV.UK