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A LEADING expert on food systems and food security has spoken of his pride at receiving one of the most prestigious honours in the country.
Professor Guy Poppy was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to Food Safety and Security earlier this year.
Now Prof Poppy, from Romsey, says he is looking forward to collecting his honour at Windsor Castle next month.
He said: “I am looking forward to going to my investiture at Windsor Castle and celebrating the honour with so many deserving individuals from all walks of life.”
Prof Poppy’s distinguished career has seen him advise governments around the world including his appointment, in 2014, as the UK’s Food Standards Agency first chief scientific adviser.
He also played a major role in preparing the UK’s regulatory system for the UK exiting the European Union and contributed to reducing the amount of antibiotics used in food production systems and advising on major emergencies including Novichok and the pandemic.
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Prof Poppy said: “I am truly humbled and have immense pride in receiving such an honour.
“Serving as a chief scientific adviser was an incredible experience and I would like to thank colleagues at the Food Standards Agency and right across government for supporting me and helping me work effectively with three different governments.
“I’d also like to thank colleagues at the University of Southampton whom have been an important part of the journey.
“Finally my family whom have brought joy and satisfaction to me throughout my career and whom have truly helped me achieve this wonderful honour.”
Professor Mark E Smith, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton, praised Prof Poppy’s many achievements.
He said: “Universities depend on the quality of the people that make them up.
“Receiving independent recognition of individuals is one marker of the regard colleagues are held in.
“I am absolutely delighted to see the contributions Guy Poppy has made to his field of research and as the chief scientific advisor being recognised.
“This is a great personal achievement and reflects very well on our university.”
A graduate of Imperial College and Oxford University, Prof Poppy previously worked at Rothamsted Research, becoming principal scientific officer. He left in 2001 to join the University of Southampton where he has been head of biodiversity and ecology, head of biological sciences and associate vice president of interdisciplinary research.
In 2010 he successfully led the move of the large and complex School of Biological Sciences into a new Life Sciences Building on the university’s Highfield Campus.
In 2019 he was made programme director of the Strategic Priorities Fund Food Systems programme by the UKRI.
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Kimberley Barber
