Co-leads

The Executive team is made up of five Co-leads from across four institutions, the University of the West of England, ​the University of East Anglia, the University of Leeds and the University of York.

Tim Benton

Tim Benton

Co-lead

A longstanding researcher in sustainable agriculture and food systems, Tim has led the UK’s Global Food Security Programme (2011-16). His expertise and skills are truly interdisciplinary, with an interest in scenarios for robust decision-making under uncertainty.

Sarah Bridle

Sarah Bridle

Co-lead

Professor Sarah Bridle is Chair in Food, Climate and Society at the University of York, driving changes in our food production methods and portfolios for the health of people and planet through research on the environmental impacts of dietary choices.

Stefan Kepinski

Stefan Kepinski

Co-lead and Champions Coordinator

Stefan is the Champions Coordinator. He is a plant biologist at the University of Leeds (UoL). He is Head of the School of Biology and Associate Director of the Global Food & Environment Institute where he leads research on agriculture and environment through the Leeds Net Zero Agriculture Living Lab.

Angelina Sanderson Bellamy

Angelina Sanderson Bellamy

Co-lead

Angelina is a Professor of Food Systems at the University of West of England (UWE). She’s won £9.8 million in funding, including UKRI’s TGRAINS project and awards from AHRC, British Academy, Welsh Government and Horizon 2020.

Neil Ward

Neil Ward

Co-lead

Neil is a Professor of Rural and Regional Development at the University of East Anglia (UEA). He is a human geographer specialising in agri-food and rural development. He was UEA’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (2014-21) and Director of Newcastle University’s Centre for Rural Economy (2004-08).