Professor Robin May steps down as FSA Chief Scientific Adviser after five years

Professor Robin May will step down in September after five years as Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in September to take up a one-year appointment as Interim Chief Scientific Officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). He will begin his new role on 22 September 2025, succeeding Professor Isabel Oliver, who became Chief Medical Officer for Wales earlier this year.

Professor May has held the CSA role at the FSA since July 2020, advising on the full spectrum of food safety and standards, including microbiological hazards, chemical contaminants, carcinogens and toxicological risks.

He is also Professor of Infectious Disease at the University of Birmingham and was formerly Director of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection. His research spans microbiology and infection, with a strong background in scientific risk assessment and evidence-based policy development.

Following the FSA announcement, Professor Robin May said:

After more than five years as Chief Scientific Adviser, I will be hugely sad to be saying farewell to the FSA. It has been a privilege to have worked in an organisation that is science-led and committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of the UK food system.

I am particularly proud of the FSA’s commitment to transparent, evidence-based decision-making to protect public health and build public trust. From navigating the complexities of food safety in a post-EU landscape to responding to emerging risks or innovative new technologies, the last five years have been a fascinating time to serve as Chief Scientific Adviser.

While I’m excited to take on new challenges at UKHSA, I will always remain a strong supporter of the FSA’s mission and the vital role it plays in keeping food safe and standards high for everyone.”

Professor Susan Jebb, Chair of the FSA, paid tribute to May’s contributions:

On behalf of the whole of the FSA, I want to thank Robin for all he has done over the last five years to uphold public confidence in food standards.

He has played a valuable role in shaping the FSA’s science and evidence functions, building strong collaborations with others in government and academia, and leading our communication with the public on food-related risks. Robin has also been instrumental in the development of our Innovation Hub, enabling us to expand our expertise to better regulate new and innovative technologies.

He will be greatly missed, but we look forward to continuing our work with him through our partnership with UKHSA.”

The FSA will launch an open recruitment campaign to appoint his permanent successor in the coming months.