New Director of Research Announced at the University of Lincoln, UK

Professor Jeanette Rotchell has been appointed as the new Director of Research of the College of Health and Science, at the University of Lincoln, UK, and will be starting at Lincoln on 1 November 2023.

Professor Rotchell is a Professor of Environmental Toxicology and will join Lincoln from the University of Hull, where she is currently Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise. At Hull, Jeanette sat as a member of a panel which assessed subject-based submissions as part of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Professor Rotchell’s research interests include the levels, fate and impacts of contaminants in various environments, foodstuffs and, most recently, for microplastics in the human body. She has worked with regulatory agencies, industry partners, and clinicians, and is passionate about applied research and addressing societal challenges, such as the impacts of pollution in the environment and on humanity.

At Edinburgh Napier University Professor Rotchell obtained a BSc in Biological Sciences, followed by a MSc at Heriot Watt University, and a PhD in Genetic Damage in Fish at Glasgow Caledonian University and the Marine Laboratory of the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department.

Professor Rotchell moved from studying cancer in wild flatfish to investigating fish as a surrogate model for human cancer as a researcher at Johns Hopkins University. Her first academic position was at University of Sussex, moving to University of Hull in 2010.

Professor Duncan French, Head of College of Health and Science, said: “I am delighted that we have appointed someone of Jeanette’s stature, insight and enthusiasm to the post of College Director of Research.

“As the College continues to undertake world excellent research, look for opportunities within the new structure for further interdisciplinarity, as well preparing for the next Research Excellence Framework, Jeanette’s appointment is a key milestone in the development and subsequent implementation of the research vision and strategy for the College”.

Professor Rotchell said: “I am delighted and excited to be joining the University of Lincoln and look forward to supporting colleagues and students in the College of Health and Science and helping them achieve their research ambitions. I hope to promote a research culture that delivers interdisciplinary science that makes an impactful and sustainable difference to the communities we serve.”

Research at the University of Lincoln strives to change society for the better, and results from the most recent national REF revealed that more than three quarters of Lincoln’s research was judged to be internationally excellent or world-leading. The University works with regional, national and international partners and its academics are engaged in groundbreaking studies which challenge the status quo to make a tangible difference to our society.