Tom Meagher named as new Interim Chair for the UK's statutory
advisor on nature.
His appointment will take effect from 1 January 2025 until 30
June 2025 or until a substantive Chair is appointed, following
completion of the public appointment process. He replaces Cath
Denholm, who was appointed Interim Chair in March 2024.
Tom's interim appointment was made as an exceptional appointment
without competition, following consultation with the Commissioner
for Public Appointments.
Biography
- Tom Meagher has been a member of the JNCC since April 2021.
- He is Professor of Plant Biology at the University of St
Andrews and served as Director of the St Andrews Global
Challenges Forum.
- He was previously a member of the Defra Science Advisory
Committee and the Natural Environment Research Council.
- Tom leads an international and interdisciplinary initiative
developing novel remote sensing technology to aid the assessment
and conservation of plant biodiversity. He has also worked with
the British Council, the British Embassy Lima, and government
agencies in Peru promoting the establishment of a national
botanic garden and plant biodiversity initiative.
- He has been an active contributor to the Scottish
Government's environmental and conservation science strategy,
following his former role as a Trustee of the Royal Botanic
Garden Edinburgh.
The Joint Nature Conservation Committee
- As the UK's statutory advisor on nature, the JNCC provides
robust scientific evidence and advice to the devolved governments
of the UK, the UK government, and the UK's Overseas Territories
and Crown Dependencies, to help decision makers turn science into
action for nature.
- For over 30 years, the JNCC's trusted expertise, dedication
and skills have driven nature conservation and recovery. Through
its strategy, Together for Nature, and values of inclusion,
collaboration and innovation, the JNCC is committed to being a
good ancestor.
