Four new members appointed and two reappointed to Defra’s Science Advisory Council

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the appointment of four new members and the reappointment of two members to the Science Advisory Council.

The four new appointees are:

• Professor Nicola Beaumont
• Professor Camille Bonneaud
• Professor Chris Hauton
• Professor Jane Hill

Members will serve a three-year term, taking effect from 10 February 2025 until 9 February 2028.

Two existing members of the Science Advisory Council have been reappointed for a second term of three years. Professor Felix Eigenbrod's reappointment began on 1 February 2025 and will continue until 31 January 2028. Professor Marian Scott's second term takes effect on 1 June 2025 and will run until 31 May 2028.

The appointments have been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments. 

Defra's Science Advisory Council 

Defra's Science Advisory Council is an advisory non-departmental public body which provides expert independent advice on science policy and strategy to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).