01
June 2018

Julian Braybrook appointed UK Government Chemist

LGC announced today that Dr Julian Braybrook has been appointed the UK Government Chemist. He replaces Dr Derek Craston, who completed two terms of five years each in this Office.

The Government Chemist is appointed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, overseeing the statutory function of referee analyst, resolving disputes over analytical measurements, particularly in relation to food regulatory enforcement. It is fundamental to providing an independent voice for sound analytical measurement science and preventing miscarriages of justice. The Government Chemist also promotes analytical science and technology, and provides advice to Government on policy, standards and regulation based on research carried out by him and his team.

Dr Derek Craston, Chief Scientist Officer, LGC, “I am proud to have served as Government Chemist for the last 10 years and believe that in this time period the high standing of the role has been maintained through the hard work of the dedicated team who have delivered the associated work programmes. It is a pleasure to hand over to Julian who has been a key member of my team for a number of years and has an outstanding scientific pedigree that is well suited to the requirements of the role. I look forward to following the work of the Government Chemist in the years ahead through its numerous dissemination activities.”

Dr Julian Braybrook, Director of Measurement Science for the National Measurement Laboratory and Designated Institute for Chemical and Bio-Metrology, LGC, said, “I am honoured to have been offered the role of Government Chemist. My appointment comes at a time when the UK is seeking new relationships with European colleagues and is strengthening its international trade agreements. I look forward to upholding the standing of the role established by Derek and the team, providing the reassurance and independent advice through any uncertainties or challenges potentially posed by such transition.”

Since joining LGC in 1988, Julian has carried out a variety of research and development roles relating to new methods of analysis. He has a degree in Chemistry from the University of London and a PhD from the University of Cambridge.

Julian is the 15th UK Government Chemist since the creation of the role in 1909. Under the Government Chemist programme, LGC resolves some 20 referee cases in the food and feed control system annually. This provides an independent technical right of appeal for businesses, strengthens consumer protection and often avoids the need for recourse to the courts.