MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

New Chairman for South Georgia Association

Professor David J. Drewry

The South Georgia Association has announced the name of its new chairman.
He is Professor David J. Drewry, a former director of the Scott Polar Research Institute and of the British Antarctic Survey and Director General of the British Council, who has recently retired as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull.

Professor Drewry, who was elected at the annual general meeting of the SGA, will take over from the acting Chairman David Tatham on 1 January 2010.

Speaking of his appointment, Professor Drewry said: “I am delighted to have been elected to this position and to take over from the very capable hands of David Tatham. South Georgia holds a special place in the hearts of those who work in and travel to Antarctica, even if they have not visited themselves. Its breathtaking scenery, prolific and colourful wildlife combined with a rich history of exploration and economic activity have made it a place of considerable significance. I hope that I can assist in promoting further the aims of the Association, of South Georgia and the many opportunities it presents.”

Ref. his CV: Born in Grimsby in 1947, David Drewry is a renowned scientist, writer, and Vice-Chancellor of Hull University. He was educated at University of London (Queen Mary College), and at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he completed his Doctorate in Glaciology and Geophysics (he was made an Honorary Fellow in 2007). He continued his research at the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, went on to serve as Director of the Institute from 1984-1987, and later as Director of the British Antarctic Survey from 1987-1994. He was Director of Science and Technology and Deputy Chief Executive of the Natural Environment Research Council between 1994 and 1998. In 1998 he was appointed General Director of the British Council.

Throughout his career he has been a prolific researcher, publishing three books and many papers on ice-sheet climate interactions. He served as President of the International Arctic Science Committee and has published widely on science policy and environmental issues. He holds the Polar Medal, US Antarctic Service Medal, the Royal Geographical Society's Patron's Gold Medal, and in 1994 the Prix de la Belgica Gold Medal of the Royal Academy in Belgium.

In 1998 David Drewry was made Honorary Doctor of Science.

In 2008 he was appointed by the Prime Minister to serve as Trustee of the Natural History Museum.