Research Deans for Environment and Food appointed

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Dr Phil Newton and Professor Richard Bennett

As part of the 2020 Research Plan, we are delighted to announce two further Research Dean appointments. Dr Phil Newton and Professor Richard Bennett will join the University’s research senior management team as Research Dean (Environment) and Research Dean (Food) respectively.

Richard Bennett is professor of Agricultural Economics in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where he is also School Director of Research. Richard will be taking the Research Dean position from 1 August 2015.

Phil Newton is an external appointment and joins us from FERA (formerly Defra’s Food and Environment Research Agency, and since 1 April a joint venture with Capita) where he holds the position of Director of Science. Phil, once an oceanographer, has extensive experience in research leadership and management at senior level in research organisations, including his former roles as Director of Science at NERC and a Senior Editor at Nature. Phil will take up his post on 1 September 2015.

Earlier this year, the University Executive Board (UEB) created the role of Research Deans who will have responsibility over the development of the five University research themes, providing leadership and management and developing ways to to enhance the quality of research outputs, research income and impact. 

Professor Bennett and Dr Newton will join Professors Adrian Williams (Research Dean, Health), Roberta Gilchrist (Research Dean, Heritage and Creativity), Dominik Zaum (Research Dean, Prosperity & Resilience), Dianne Berry (Dean of Postgraduate Research Studies) and Steve Mithen (Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation), to constitute the University’s Research Committee (URC).

On his appointment, Professor Bennett said: "I am delighted to be appointed to the post of Research Dean for Food. I look forward to working alongside colleagues to build on our REF 2014 success and further our reputation for world-leading food research."

Speaking on his appointment, Dr Newton said ‘’I am delighted to be joining the University of Reading as Research Dean, Environment, having spent many years admiring the University’s impressive research in environmental sciences. I look forward to working closely with colleagues in the team of Deans and throughout the University, to connect across Reading’s research capability and help untap the great potential for growth and impact.”

Professor Steven Mithen said ‘’Phil and Richard bring with them an exceptional set of knowledge, experience and skills as leaders in research and management in their areas of expertise. As they join Professors Williams, Gilchrist and Zaum as Research Deans, I am confident that we have the best team to lead our research themes and to work with Dianne Berry and I to make the 2020 Research Plan a success.’’