Professor Zoe Wilson will take up the role of permanent Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Science from June 2022, following her interim appointment.

Professor Wilson’s permanent appointment has been confirmed following an external competitive recruitment process. She has been leading the faculty on an interim basis since March 2021 to succeed Professor Kevin Shakesheff when he joined the Open University.

A specialist in Plant Science, Zoe’s research focuses on the molecular genetic analysis of plant reproduction and genomic technologies to support the improvement of crops.

She is an alumna of the university, holding both her PhD in Plant Science and BSc (Hons) in Botany and Microbiology from Nottingham.

She was previously APVC for Research & Knowledge Exchange in the Faculty of Science, leading the research and knowledge exchange strategy for the Faculty, recruitment of Anne McLaren and Nottingham research fellows, as well as responsibility for the implementation of the reopening of campus facilities following Covid-19 lockdowns.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West welcomed the permanent appointment, saying:

“I am delighted that Zoe will continue her excellent service on the University Executive Board and congratulate her on her success in becoming the permanent Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Science. I have every confidence that she will continue her immense and longstanding contribution to both the Faculty and university.”

Zoe has worked extensively in the international space to develop university-level collaborations particularly with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Adelaide.

Her research has focused on the application of traits targeting the impact of environmental stress on plant fertility and in turn crop yield, this work is aimed at delivering crop improvements to aid global food security. She leads the Nottingham BBSRC Doctoral Training programme.