A NEW director of Science has been appointed at the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) based on the outskirts of York.

Dr Philip Newton has taken on the role at FERA, where he will be responsible for maintaining and growing the scientific reputation of the Sand Hutton organisation, both nationally and internationally.

Fera chief executive Hilary Aldridge said: “I and my colleagues look forward to working with Phil.”

“He brings to the position extensive relevant experience and a long list of professional achievements.

“This is a senior science post in Defra and Government and thus will help in collaborative working across Defra, its network, and beyond.

Previous roles have seen Mr Newton act as an advisor to Reading University, and sit as director of Science for the UK’s Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC).

Mr Newton succeeds Professor Robert Edwards, who moved on to take up a post in agri-science at Newcastle University.