Professor Guy Poppy, one of the UK’s leading experts on food systems and food security, has been appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to Food Safety and Security.
Professor Poppy has gained significant research experience throughout his distinguished career and has advised governments around the world. In 2014, he was appointed as the UK’s Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) first (inaugural) Chief Scientific Adviser. In that role, Professor Poppy provided expert and independent scientific advice to the UK government, playing a critical role in ensuring that science and engineering are at the core of decisions made across the government and helping to understand how scientific developments shape the work of the FSA as well as the strategic implications of any possible changes.
He also played a major role in preparing the UK’s regulatory system for the UK exiting the European Union and contributed to reducing the amount of antibiotics used in food production systems and advising on major emergencies including Novichok and the early risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor Poppy said: “I am truly humbled and have immense pride in receiving such an honour. Serving as a Chief Scientific Adviser was an incredible experience and I would like to thank colleagues at the Food Standards Agency and right across Government for supporting me and helping me work effectively with three different Governments. I’d also like to thank colleagues at the University whom have been an important part of the journey I have taken at Southampton during the past 20 years. Finally my family whom have brought joy and satisfaction to me throughout my career and whom have truly helped me achieve this wonderful honour.”
Professor Mark E Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, praised Professor Poppy’s many achievements, culminating in this honour from Her Majesty, The Queen. “Universities depend on the quality of the people that make them up,” said Professor Smith. “Receiving independent recognition of individuals is one marker of the regard colleagues are held in. “I am absolutely delighted to see the contributions Guy Poppy has made to his field of research and as the Chief Scientific Advisor being recognised by him being made a Companion of the Order of Bath in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. This is a great personal achievement and reflects very well on our University.”
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