New CEO for Science City York

Following a nationwide search, Professor Nicola Spence has been appointed Science City York’s new Chief Executive. Her career to date centres on strategic and applied research in the biological sciences, complemented further by a strong commercial perspective.

Prior to her current position as Chief Scientist at the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), Nicola was Acting Commercial Director for the Central Science Laboratory (CSL), and played a leading role in the merger and transformation of CSL as an integral part of Fera, launched in April this year. Nicola has also been actively involved in science communication and education throughout her career, most recently as an ambassador for promoting and encouraging women to pursue a career in science.

Nicola said: “I am passionate about developing and promoting the knowledge economy of our region. This is a tremendously important time for Science City York and I am delighted that I will be leading the company. I very much look forward to working with the team and SCY Board and all our partners.”

Richard Gregory OBE, Executive Chair of Science City York, said: "Nicola was an exceptional candidate from a very strong field of applicants. It’s a win-win situation for Science City York and Fera. Over the past 18
months our organisations have increasingly worked ever more closely, centred on the development of a major bid for regional investment. I have no doubt that this appointment will see the relationship between Science City York and Fera go from strength to strength.

“Science City York will also be working with both Fera and the University to help them realise their tremendous commercial potential, including in the region’s emerging low carbon futures agenda,” Richard added.
“I am confident this represents one of York’s best opportunities for business growth and inward investment.”

Adrian Belton, Chief Executive of Fera, commented: “Naturally, I am very sorry to be losing Nicola as a founding member of the new Executive team at Fera. That said this opportunity to develop the City’s, the region’s and national scientific capability is in everyone’s longer term interests. Nicola’s appointment is entirely in keeping with the positive way in which the relationship between Fera and SCY has been developing, due in no small part to her leadership. We look forward to working with Nicola in her new role.”