The Royal Society of Biology is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Doug Brown as its new CEO, who will take up the post this coming autumn.

Doug is currently CEO of the British Society for Immunology (one of the RSB’s Member Organisations), a position he has held since 2018. He is also a Trustee of the Association of Medical Research Charities, has a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Cambridge, and has many years of experience across healthcare and biological fields.

Doug succeeds Dr Mark Downs PhD DSc (Hon) CSci CBiol FRSB who has been the RSB’s CEO for the last 16 years and will be retiring at the close of the summer.

Dr Doug Brown said: “I am thrilled to be joining the RSB as Chief Executive at such a pivotal time for the life sciences. Biology is at the heart of addressing many of the world’s most pressing challenges, and the RSB plays a crucial role in empowering the community to drive meaningful impact now and in the future. Building on the strong foundations established under Mark’s leadership, I look forward to working with the dedicated staff team, our members, partners, and the wider scientific community to lead the RSB into its next chapter – ensuring that biology continues to improve lives and shape a better future for all.”

The new CEO’s appointment has been made following a robust and competitive search process, carried out by the RSB CEO appointments panel, chaired by Professor Richard J Reece CBiol FRSB who conducted the interviews. The appointment was then confirmed at an Extraordinary meeting of the RSB Council.

The Society gives its sincere thanks to outgoing CEO Mark for his 16 years of service to the RSB, which included acquiring a Royal title, more than doubling the Society’s membership, the launch of the hugely successful annual Biology Week, growing policy impact, and establishing a range of professional services now representing nearly 40% of revenue.

Dr Mark Downs PhD DSc (Hon) CSci CBiol FRSB said: “It has been a privilege to lead the RSB for nearly 16 years and I am delighted to be passing on the baton to such an able successor who I know will ensure a bright and effective future for the Society”.

President of the Royal Society of Biology, Professor Sir Ian Boyd FRSB FRSE FRS, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Doug Brown as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Society of Biology. He replaces Mark Downs who is retiring after leading the RSB for 16 years and has been responsible for shaping the organisation and making it the success it is today. We will miss Mark but at the same time look forward to a new era under Doug’s leadership.”

The RSB is currently at an exciting stage of its development. With a new strategy rolled out at the start of this year and the move to being an organisation based mainly around remote working, the RSB is poised for change and ready to embrace its new leadership. We look forward to welcoming Doug and working with him from 1 September 2025.