The RSB has appointed Dr Arianne Matlin, head of health and science policy at the British Dental Association (BDA), to the new role of associate director of policy.

Arianne will join the RSB on 4th July 2022, bringing with her broad experience of policy advocacy, leading campaigns and developing the evidence-based arguments to influence and change the public policy environment. She will head a strong team of science and education policy experts with RSB and work closely with sister organisations, across the sciences to deliver impact for the public benefit.

Arianne has PhD in molecular biology which was followed by three years of post-doctoral research in the UK and USA. During her 13 years at the BDA, Arianne led their evidence based response on COVID-19 alongside a wide range of policy initiatives.

Arianne is committed to communicating science and health related issues to a range of expert and lay audiences and has a strong interest in supporting career development for young scientists.

Arianne said: "I’m very excited to be joining the RSB at a time when the pandemic has really shone a spotlight on biological sciences policy and how it is communicated. I look forward to getting to know the teams and building on the great work the Society has been doing in this area”.

RSB chief executive, Dr Mark Downs CBiol CSci FRSB, said “We are delighted to welcome Arianne as a new member of the Society’s senior management team to help us further build our policy capability and within the communication of our policy work”.