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Nicola Spence
Executive experienced in strategic planning; corporate governance; and, privacy and IP law.
Nicola Spence, JD, PhD, is a prominent figure in plant pathology and currently serves as the Chief Plant Health Officer at the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). She has a distinguished academic background, holding a Bachelor of Science in Botany from the University of Durham, a Master's degree in Microbiology from Birkbeck College, and a PhD in Plant Virology from the University of Birmingham. Her doctoral research focused on the identification and ecology of the bean common mosaic virus in Africa.12
Throughout her career, Spence has made significant contributions to the field of plant health, particularly in researching viral diseases affecting crops both in the UK and internationally. She has held various roles, including Chief Executive of Science City York, where she facilitated connections between academia and local businesses, and she was involved in initiatives aimed at promoting the bioeconomy in Yorkshire.13 In recognition of her services to plant health, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2022.1
In addition to her role at Defra, Spence is actively engaged in academia as a visiting professor at Harper Adams University and serves on several boards related to plant health and biology. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and has been involved with various organizations aimed at enhancing professional development within the field.134
