Melanie Welham

Professor Dame Melanie Joanne Welham is a British biochemist who served as the Executive Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) from April 2018 to June 2023.12 Born in 1964 in Suffolk, she was the first in her family to attend university.2

Welham's career highlights include:

• Obtained a degree in Biochemistry from Imperial College London and a PhD from University College London12
• Conducted postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia, Canada1
• Became the first woman professor in her department at the University of Bath, where she was a leading researcher in molecular signalling and stem cell science1
• Joined BBSRC in October 2012 as Director of Science1
• Served as Interim Chief Executive of BBSRC for two years before becoming Executive Chair12
• Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2023 Birthday Honours for services to the biosciences2

Welham is known for her advocacy of equality, diversity, and inclusion in science.1 She also serves as the UKRI Executive Champion for People, Culture and Talent.1