New Trustees Appointed

East Malling Trust, the Kent-based scientific research charity, has re-affirmed its commitment to supporting the UK’s horticultural industry by making two senior appointments.

Dr Celia Caulcott and Tim Chambers have both accepted the position of trustee to the charity’s board.

Formerly the Vice-Provost (Enterprise) at University College London, Dr Celia Caulcott was responsible for developing and supporting the university’s innovation and enterprise strategy.  Prior to that role, she was Executive Director, Innovation and Skills, at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.  She currently chairs the Board of Trustees of the Quadram Institute, which undertakes important work in the field of food and health.

Tim Chambers, is Managing Director and third generation owner of Chambers Group, which specialises in berry, currant and stone fruit production, and packing for leading UK supermarkets. The Chambers family can trace its farming heritage in Kent back to 1624 when James I was on the throne.

Commenting on their appointment, Dr Oliver Doubleday, Chairman of East Malling Trust, said: “For more than a century the Trust has been an advocate for scientific advancement to support, strengthen and sustain the competitiveness of the horticulture industry.  We are very fortunate in securing the services of these two highly qualified industry experts, who each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience of commercial horticulture, innovation and research.”

The new trustees will help the Trust as it continues to support the work of NIAB EMR on the 500 acre estate and create a new research campus. The importance and excellence of the science carried out on the research campus was recently recognised by the Government’s backing for an £18m bid to the Strength in Places Fund by a consortium led by NIAB EMR.

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Celia Caulcott said: “I am honoured to join the board of the East Malling Trust.  I have been aware of the great science and industry engagement undertaken at East Malling since my time at BBSRC, and have watched this grow and develop under the leadership of its previous and current Director.

“The opportunity to support the Trust and NIAB EMR in bringing research to address the real challenges we see in horticulture and food production in this country is immensely important, in particular as we learn more about the links between diet, health and the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Tim Chambers added: “This is an exciting time for the Trust as it bring forward major improvements to the research facilities here at East Malling. As a grower I believe it is vital that the industry, which will be the ultimate beneficiaries from the science advancements, should actively engage with the Trust and NIAB EMR to improve productivity and sustain the UK’s world-class top and soft fruit industry.”

Further information on the work of East Malling Trust can be found at www.eastmallingtrust.org.