NIAB has appointed Helen Appleyard to lead its Analytical Services department and take over the role of chief officer for the Official Seed Testing Station (OSTS) for England and Wales.
Nick Watson, director of Commercial Services said: “Helen takes over from Linda Maile, who has retired from the role this summer after eight years leading the team and having worked at NIAB in the OSTS for a record-breaking 53 years. We thank Linda for an incredible career at NIAB and wish her the very best for the future.”
Helen moves to the chief officer position having managed NIAB’s LabTest service in Cambridge since 2016. Helen originally joined the OSTS in 1988 as a Trainee Seed Analyst. Her previous roles at NIAB include 17 years as a seed analyst, a biochemical technician, the Seed Pathology and technical services Manager in Analytical Services and Analytical Services manager.
Diagnostic services
She will be responsible for managing and delivering NIAB’s laboratory services work, including the work of the OSTS. The team provides scientifically driven diagnostic services to help NIAB’s customers manage and develop their businesses, covering four main areas: biochemistry, seed testing (via OSTS), seed pathology and technical services. This includes providing competitive seed and plant testing services to UK farmers and agronomists.
Established in 1917, The OSTS at NIAB is designated by the Animal and Plant Health Agency as an Official Seed Testing Laboratory for England and Wales and is contracted to carry out ISTA tests for customers on behalf of APHA. To enable the OSTS to carry out this function the laboratory at Cambridge is accredited and audited by the International Seed Testing Association.
Helen finished: “I’m delighted to take this role as Chief Officer and Head of Analytical Services leading on NIAB’s Analytical Services and seed testing.”
