News story

Defra’s Science Advisory Council Chair appointed

Professor Rowland Kao has been appointed as the Chair of Defra’s Science Advisory Council

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Defra's Science Advisory Council
• Published: 24 January 2025

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has appointed Professor Rowland Kao as Chair of the Science Advisory Council (SAC). This will be for a term of 3 years from 8 January 2025 until 7 January 2028.

The appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Biography

• Professor Rowland Kao is Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science at the University of Edinburgh. Kao’s research focusses on infectious disease dynamics, mainly with respect to the role of demography in the spread and persistence of infectious diseases in wildlife, humans and livestock.
• Rowland previously served as a member of the Science Advisory Council (SAC) from 2018 to 2024.

Notes to editors:

• Defra’s Science Advisory Council is an advisory non-departmental public body who provide expert independent advice on science policy and strategy to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
• All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

Published 24 January 2025