Earlham Institute appoints Professor Fiona Lettice and Professor Nick Thomson to Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustee Directors comprises experienced individuals with backgrounds in science, finance, legal, and commercial areas relevant to the Institute’s work. 

Nick Thomson is a globally recognised expert in microbial genomics, with over two decades of experience advancing the understanding of bacterial evolution, pathogenesis, and antimicrobial resistance.  

Fiona Lettice is Professor Emerita of Innovation Management in the Norwich Business School, and was Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) from 2016 to 2023 at the University of East Anglia.  

Professor Deborah Smith, Chair of the Earlham Institute Board, said: “I’m delighted to welcome both Nick and Fiona to the Board of Trustees. They bring outstanding leadership and significant experience in UK genomics and other academic fields of relevance to our governance framework and the strategic direction of the Institute.” 

With a career spanning industry and academia, Fiona Lettice brings experience in enterprise strategy, research and innovation governance, and stakeholder engagement.  

During her time at the University of East Anglia, she secured significant funding to support research, innovation and impact; established key partnerships with major organisations, and launched the university’s interdisciplinary research themes: ClimateUEA, HealthUEA and CreativeUEA.  

She led UEA’s REF2021 submission, achieving the university’s highest-ever rankings for research quality and impact. 

Upon joining the Board, Fiona said: “I’m delighted to join the Board of the Earlham Institute at such a dynamic time for life sciences and data-driven research. The Institute plays a vital role in addressing global challenges through cutting-edge genomics, and I am particularly motivated by Earlham Institute’s role in addressing biodiversity loss, sustainable agriculture and health. I look forward to supporting the leadership team and working with fellow Trustees to help shape the Institute’s future direction.” 

Nick Thomson is Head of the Parasites and Microbes Programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Professor of Bacterial Genomics at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, shaping the UK's genomic surveillance landscape and applying genomics to public health challenges globally.  

Throughout his career, Nick has led multidisciplinary teams at the intersection of genomics, microbiology, and data science, overseeing large-scale research programmes and collaborations with international health organisations and academic institutions. 

Before joining the Board of Trustees, Nick sat on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Institute from June 2018 to March 2024.  

Professor Nick Thomson, said “I’m delighted to join the Board of Trustees of the Earlham Institute; having served on the Scientific Advisory Board, I know first-hand what an inspiring and vibrant hub of innovation it is, and I’m excited to continue supporting the world-class science on the Norwich Research Park.” 

Professor Neil Hall, Earlham Institute Director, said “Fiona and Nick will bring valuable experience and insight to the board. Having worked with Earlham Institute previously in different capacities, they have a strong understanding of our research strengths and collaborative culture.”

The Board is supported by the Director, Company Secretary/Chief Operating Officer, and the Executive and Senior Management Teams.