Northumbria academics appointed to national leadership roles

Three academics from Northumbria University have been appointed to president positions across three national organisations, reflecting the institution’s expertise and influence across environmental health, nutrition and economic innovation.

Professor Jane Entwistle, associate pro vice-chancellor for the School of Geography and Natural Sciences, has been appointed president of the Society for Environmental Geochemistry and Health (SEGH) for a two-year term. 

Her research focuses on the relationship between geochemistry and human health, including long-term work exploring exposure to harmful chemicals in the environment.

Professor Entwistle said: “Having first joined the Society as a PhD student in the early 1990s, it's especially meaningful to now help shape the organisation's future direction as we develop our new five-year strategy.

“The multidisciplinary nature and sense of community within SEGH are as relevant today as when the Society was formed in the early 1970s. 

“SEGH members’ skills, interests, and capabilities are well-positioned to continue making meaningful contributions to understanding how our environment affects society and well-being and to tackling the increasing environmental pressures from human activities.”

Professor Greta Defeyter OBE, dean of social mobility policy engagement and director of the university’s Healthy Living Lab, has been appointed president of the Royal Society of Medicine’s Food and Health Forum. 

She is known for research into food insecurity, child development and social mobility, with work that has helped inform policy on school breakfast provision.

Professor Defeyter added: “The connections between nutrition, health outcomes, and social equity have never been more critical to understand and address.

“I'm honoured to lead the RSM Food and Health Forum as we work to strengthen the evidence base linking dietary interventions to improved health and wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable populations.”

Professor Robert Newbery, from Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School, has been appointed president of the Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) for a two-year tenure, having previously served as deputy president. 

His research explores entrepreneurship and poverty, supported by international experience and practical business leadership.

Professor Newbery added: “Small businesses and entrepreneurs are vital to economic innovation and community resilience, yet they often face unique challenges. 

“As ISBE president, I’m committed to strengthening our community of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, ensuring we provide meaningful support for entrepreneurs – particularly those operating in peripheral and underserved communities.”

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