Professor Brian Thomas has been named as acting director of Warwick HRI when HRI Wellesbourne and Kirton join the University of Warwick on April 1.
Thomas is currently research director for the crop improvement and biotechnology research theme and has responsibility for approximately 120 staff located across HRI's research sites.
Thomas joined the Glasshouse Crops Research Institute in Littlehampton (later HRI) as a research scientist in 1989, and moved to Wellesbourne in 1995. He was appointed HRI research director in 2001.
Professor Stuart Palmer, deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Warwick, offered his congratulations to Thomas. He said: “Brian has shown considerable management skills during his time as research director at HRI. This combined with his formidable record as a horticulture research scientist will ensure that Warwick HRI is in safe hands until a new director is appointed.”
Speaking about his new role as acting director, Thomas said: “Until the new director is appointed, I will ensure Warwick HRI continues to deliver the excellent quality of science that our customers have come to expect.”