Royal (Dick) School appoints new head
Professor Lisa Boden will take up the role in September.
Expert in veterinary public health takes up the role.

Professor Lisa Boden has been appointed as head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

She will begin her new role in September 2023, succeeding interim head Professor Dylan Clements, who has held the role since May 2023. The most recent permanent incumbent, Professor David Argyle, has recently been appointed as vice-principle and head of the University of Edinburgh’s College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

A specialist in veterinary public health and population medicine, Professor Boden is a senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security.

She is deputy director of the Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks (EPIC) which advises the Scottish government and livestock industry on how to prepare for emerging animal diseases and respond to outbreaks.

In 2019, she launched
the One Health FIELD Network to bring together experts from across different academic disciplines to develop methods for improving food security in fragile and conflict-affected states.

Professor 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 Argyle added: “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.”