New head of Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

A leading specialist in veterinary public health and population medicine has been appointed as the new Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Professor Lisa Boden, who holds a Personal Chair of Population Medicine and Veterinary Public Health Policy and is Co-Director of EPIC (the Scottish Government’s Centre for Expertise in Animal Disease Outbreaks), will take up the role in September 2023.

Professor Boden will succeed Interim Head of School Professor Dylan Clements, who has held the role since May 2023, and Professor David Argyle, who held the role from 2011-2023. Professor Argyle has recently taken the post of Vice Principal and Head of the University of Edinburgh’s College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

Professor Boden is a UK and European Veterinary Specialist in Veterinary Public Health and Population Medicine, with a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology and a Master of Laws in Medical Law and Ethics.

She is also Professor of Population Medicine and Veterinary Public Health Policy at the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems at the University of Edinburgh; Senior Vice President of the European College of Veterinary Public Health; and Co-Director of EPIC (Scottish Government’s Centre for Expertise in Animal Disease Outbreaks), which provides policymakers with rapid access to emergency scientific advice and analyses – to prepare for and respond to exotic and novel animal disease outbreaks.

Prof Boden said, “I am excited and honoured to take on this role. It is a privilege to be able to lead this school, which has such extensive history and tradition, but remains a beacon of excellence for research-led teaching and innovation in clinical veterinary medicine, agriculture and biomedical research. I look forward to this opportunity to help shape the future of our veterinary profession.”

Professor David Argyle, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, said, “I am delighted that Professor Boden will be the next Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. She is an exceptional and inspirational veterinary academic leader and I know the School can look forward to a bright future and continued success.”

Professor Boden’s career has focused on the interplays between animal, human and environmental health security and sustainability.

She is the founder of the One Health FIELD Network, which brokers research, education and training partnerships between academics, decision-makers and practitioners in fragile and conflict affected regions to improve preparedness and timely response to global threats to security and sustainability.

She is also a member of the Scottish Science Advisory Council, Scotland’s highest level science advisory body, providing independent advice and recommendations on science strategy, policy and priorities to the Scottish Government.

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a world leader in veterinary education, clinical practice and research, comprising more than 850 staff and 1600 students. In 2023 it celebrates its Bicentenary, marking 200 years since founder William Dick established it as Scotland’s first vet school.