A renowned veterinary scientist with an outstanding career in scientific research and leadership has been appointed to lead Keele’s Faculty of Natural Sciences. 

Professor Anna Meredith OBE will join Keele as the new Executive Dean for the Faculty of Natural Sciences for the new academic year, bringing decades of scientific experience in both applied and academic environments. 

She joins from the University of Edinburgh, where she is currently Professor of Zoological and Conservation Medicine in the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. 

Anna was made an OBE in 2019 for her services to animal welfare and the veterinary profession, and previously served as Head of the Veterinary School at the University of Melbourne in Australia, as well as holding a variety of senior roles at the University of Edinburgh, including serving as Associate Dean International. 

Professor Meredith has also worked as a veterinary consultant for the Falkland Islands’ Government’s Department of Natural Resources and was previously the Head Veterinary Surgeon at Edinburgh Zoo. 

Her work is focused on wildlife and conservation medicine, and she is a major advocate of a One Health approach to public health, which encourages greater cooperation between human, animal, and environmental health sectors, encouraging them to work together to promote health and sustainability and prepare for emergencies. 

Professor Meredith said: “I am thrilled to be joining the vibrant team at Keele. It will be a privilege to lead the Faculty and work with staff and students to continue to build its strengths, success and impact. I look forward to this opportunity to help deliver Keele’s core commitments to students, sustainability and the community through ambitious research-led teaching, innovation and engagement.” 

Professor Mark Ormerod, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, added: “I am delighted to announce Professor Anna Meredith as our new Executive Dean for the Faculty of Natural Sciences and as part of our senior leadership team. 

“Anna has outstanding achievements over many decades in both applied and academic environments and brings to Keele a wealth of academic and research leadership experience at a time of growth and significant opportunity for both the Faculty and the University, including for the Harper and Keele Veterinary School, which will have its fourth intake later this month. Anna will also bring an exciting additional dimension to our commitment to and strengths in sustainability and public health, and to our internationalisation strategy.”