We are pleased to announce that Rachel Ward FIFST has joined IFST as our new Scientific Policy Director.
In this role, Rachel will be focusing on developing the Institute’s outward facing activities - particularly aimed at growing the Institute’s increasing influence on matters of policy in relation to IFST’s areas of interest.
Of her appointment she said: “I am delighted to be appointed Scientific Policy Director for IFST. As an IFST Fellow I have supported various activities over recent years and I am looking forward to having more opportunities to work with our members and wider stakeholders.”
Rachel Ward has more than 25 years’ experience in international strategy, standards and risk management for the food chain. With a BSc (Hons) in Applied Biochemistry and a PhD on in vitro skin toxicology models, Rachel has worked in various roles across the food industry including analytical laboratory management, supply chain quality assurance, regulatory compliance, scientific affairs and risk management.
As an IFST Fellow, Rachel is actively involved in her local Midlands Branch and several IFST special interest groups.
Jon Poole, IFST Chief Executive commented: “We are delighted to have Rachel join IFST. Rachel brings a wealth of food industry experience but is also well-known and respected by many in the sector. This is a key role for the Institute given our increasing role in external affairs and influencing food science policy and I know Rachel will prove to be a real asset to us in driving these agendas forward.”
Julian Cooper, Chair of IFST Scientific Committee added: “On behalf of the Scientific Committee it is a great pleasure to welcome Rachel to the IFST Executive. She brings a wealth of experience to the role of Scientific Policy Director and the Committee and I look forward to working with Rachel to provide effective responses to consultations and increasing the impact of IFST.”