Jack A. Bobo – Director

Jack A. Bobo was appointed Director of the University of Nottingham Food Systems Institute in July 2023.

Jack is an esteemed thought leader with a unique background spanning international law, food and environmental policy and behavioural science. He joined the University of Nottingham from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), one of the world’s largest conservation organisations, where he led teams of policy professionals specialising in fisheries, agriculture and freshwater. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Futurity, a food foresight company; as Chief Communications Officer and Senior Vice-President for Global Policy at Intrexon Corporation, a synthetic biology company; and as Senior Advisor for Global Food Policy at the US Department of State, where he advised senior State Department officials on a wide range of trade and development issues related to food security.

Jack holds Bachelors’ degrees in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, a Master’s of Science in Environmental Science, and a Juris Doctor in Law from Indiana University. He subsequently completed fellowships in international law at Cambridge University and at the Jean Monnet School of Law in Paris. He began his career as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching natural and physical sciences in Mekambo, Gabon.

Professor Paul Wilson - Director of the Centre for Food Policy and Foresight 

Professor Wilson holds a chair in Agricultural Economics and has a wealth of expertise in senior management, delivery of large scale research projects and research translation delivering policy and industry impacts. 

Paul’s research interests encompass agricultural and food economics, farm business management and behavioural change, sustainability and food consumer behavioural understanding. He has been active in research and policy communication through delivery of Government policy focused conferences, verbal input to a House of Lords enquiry, an All-Party Parliamentary Group presentation and via numerous news and media outlets.   

Paul holds a Bachelors’ degree and Doctorate in Agricultural Economics from Newcastle University.  Within his University of Nottingham academic career (1995 onwards) he was Head of School of Biosciences (2021-2023), Chief Executive of Rural Business Research [RBR] (2006-2022) and led Nottingham’s 2021 Unit of Assessment 6 REF submission (2015-2021). 

Dr Peter Noy – Associate Director of Research

Pete Noy was previously the Associate Director of Research for the Future Food Beacon (2018-2023), working with academic colleagues across the University of Nottingham to support the development and delivery of interdisciplinary research initiatives. He has extensive experience working at the boundaries between academia, industry, government and other actors in the food system and working with stakeholders across the globe.

Pete holds a Doctorate in Immunology from the University of Birmingham and an integrated masters (MSci) in Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry from the University of Nottingham. Whilst in Birmingham he gained 10 years medical research experience as a molecular biologist working on blood vessel dysregulation during cardiovascular disease and tumour development. After his research career he spend two years as a Senior Research Development Manager working across Medical and Dental Sciences.

Maimuna Jeng – Communications and Engagement Manager

Maimuna Jeng joined the University of Nottingham in September 2023, working with the Faculty of Science and providing strategic communications support to the Food Systems Institute and Food Innovation Centre. She has experience delivering effective communication strategies, strengthening stakeholder links and knowledge exchange between experts, policy makers and the public. 

Prior to joining the University, Maimuna worked in the charity, public and international development sectors, communicating science and other complex issues to stakeholders. She holds a master’s degree in Global Media and Communications from SOAS University of London.

Joanna Smuga-Lumatz – Senior Administrator

Joanna is a Senior Administrator within the Faculty of Science, providing help and support to the Food Systems Institute team and Project Administrator for GeoNutrition and Micronutrient Action Policy Support (MAPS) funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. At the same time, she provides and co-ordinates the administrative support for a number of active research projects from various research funding agencies and sponsors.

Joanna joined the School of Biosciences in November 2016, and provided support for the Future Food Beacon. Prior to this, she gained experience in the law and arts sector working for Cultivate, the cultural organisational development agency and Retina Dance Company, producing and touring contemporary dance in the UK and internationally, having graduated from Gdansk University in Poland with Master degree in Law.