Rob Merrall, an independent consultant with Innovate UK, the UK government’s Innovation Agency, has been appointed president of the UK’s Institution of Agricultural Engineers.
Well-known in the agricultural sector, Merrall spent his early career in agricultural engineering research at Cranfield University before working in roles with the Renault Group, as a director of two major UK farm equipment distributors and as a director of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.
“I am honoured to be appointed to this important role and look forward to helping the Institution raise its profile, continue its work post the government’s 2011 Foresight Report Future of food and farming, build new ‘Agri-Tech’ networks, and encourage profitable innovation amongst agricultural engineers,” he said.
He takes over the president’s role for two years from soil scientist Professor Mark Kibblewhite who is the Principal of MK Soil Science based in Dorset in the UK, and an Emeritus Professor at Cranfield University in Bedforshire, UK.
President Elect is Professor Jane Rickson, IAgrE Fellow and Chartered Environmentalist. She is a soil and water engineer, involved in research for government and private sector clients at Cranfield. She is also involved in training and teaching on Masters and continuing professional development courses in land reclamation and restoration, environmental engineering and soil management.
Commenting on the appointments IAgrE’s CEO Alastair Taylor said, “The IAgrE team are looking forward to working with Rob as the new president, together with all newly appointed council members, to develop the Institution over the next few years.
“Rob brings an amazing array of contacts and ideas which we hope to harness in further growing the reputation of, and respect for our profession. It is important that I express my thanks to the outgoing president for his wisdom and good humor during his term of office.”
May 6, 2016
