Vivienne Parry joins Medical Research Council
6 May 2008
Well-known science communicator Vivienne Parry has joined the Medical Research Council.
The Minister of State for Science and Innovation, Ian Pearson MP, has appointed writer and broadcaster Vivienne Parry to the MRC’s Council. Vivienne combines a science background with a strong public engagement record; she has worked with a broad range of organisations from charities to the media. Vivienne has presented BBC television and radio programmes and writes widely for newspapers and magazines.
Vivienne Parry said:
“I feel very honoured to be appointed to the Council of the MRC which has such an outstanding reputation for scientific excellence. In making this appointment, the MRC has demonstrated that it is committed to wider stakeholder involvement in its decision-making. I look forward to being an ambassador for the MRC and to further supporting its public engagement work.”
Sir John Chisholm, Chairman of the MRC said:
“I am delighted to welcome Vivienne Parry to the MRC Council. Vivienne’s experience of explaining medical science and working closely with the public will be a huge asset.”
Professor Andrew McMichael, Honorary director of the MRC Human Immunology Unit in Oxford and Professor Herb Sewell, University of Nottingham have been reappointed to the Council.
Sir John said:
“The reappointment of Professors Andrew McMichael and Herb Sewell will retain a wealth of high quality research experience and expertise on Council.”
Vivienne Parry’s appointment is for 4 years from 1st May 2008 until 31st March 2012. Professor McMichael's re-appointment is for 2 years from 1st April 2008 until 31st March 2010. Professor Sewell's re-appointment is for 3 years from 1st April 2008 until 31st March 2011.
Appointments and reappointments have been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice. The remuneration for each appointment is £6570 per year.
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Vivienne Parry has declared no political activity but was appointed in 2005 as a member to the DH Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, for which she receives no remuneration. Professors Sewell and McMichael have declared no political activity or any other ministerial appointments.
Press contact
Phone: 020 7637 6011
press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
