Professor Robin May has been appointed interim chief scientific officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), on a one-year appointment.

He will begin the role on 22 September, taking over from Professor Isabel Oliver, who has been appointed Chief Medical Officer for Wales.

Professor May currently works as Chief Scientific Adviser at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), where he provides scientific advice across the full spectrum of food safety and standards, including assessment of chemical contaminants, toxicological risks, carcinogens, and microbiological hazards. He has held that role since July 2020.

He is also Professor of Infectious Disease at the University of Birmingham and, prior to joining the FSA, he was Director of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection.

Professor May said: "I’m delighted to be joining UKHSA as Interim Chief Scientific Officer. The agency plays a vital role in protecting public health across the UK and I’m looking forward to being able to contribute to that mission during this important period. I look forward to working with the talented teams at UKHSA and supporting the agency’s invaluable work in safeguarding the nation’s health."