Programme team 
Executive Sponsor: Melanie Welham, Executive Chair BBSRC
SRO: Riaz Bhunnoo, Director of the Global Food Security Programme
Programme Manager: Flora Hetherington, Senior Manager, Global Food Security Programme
Programme Director: Professor Guy Poppy
Portfolio Manager: Nina Pugh
If you’d like to get in contact, send an email to food.systems@bbsrc.ukri.org
Programme Director
The Programme Director champions the programme providing visibility and strategic leadership over the lifetime of the programme. The Programme Director also provides scientific advice to the programme; ensures coordination and collaboration across the projects; nurtures the development of the interdisciplinary research community and drives knowledge into impacts and outcomes.
Professor Guy Poppy is a Professor of Ecology in Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton. He has significant experience in food system research and has advised governments around the world. He recently stepped down after 6 years as the FSA’s Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) and prior to this he directed the Interdisciplinary Research Strategy at the University of Southampton.
Programme Board and Advisory Group
Programme Board
The Food Systems SPF Programme is governed by a decision-making Programme Board of partner organisations working in health, environment, food systems, innovation and policy areas.
All partners are involved in shaping the programme and guiding its implementation. The differing focus and scope of each partner organisation ensures an interdisciplinary and systems approach is taken in all programme activities.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC)
Innovate UK
Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID)
Food Standards Agency (FSA)