Alumni

Professor Ian Brown

A former Applied Biology and Immunology student at Nescot and now Director of Scientific Services at APHA

Professor Ian Brown OBE is Director of Scientific Services at the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency in Weybridge. He is also Director of the International Reference Laboratories, and helps to direct the UK’s response to bird flu. Professor Brown studied Applied Biology and then Immunology at Nescot, graduating in the early 1980s.

“My HND was a great introduction to all the theory and principles, as well as what to do practically. The lecturers were enthusiastic and inspiring – they genuinely cared about their students, and wanted the best for them. I owe a lot to my teachers. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.

“Because of my experience at Nescot, I always recommend to people that they get a breath of experience early on. If you focus too early on it can end up closing doors to you. I started as a junior technician - I’m proof that you can come in with O-Levels, and go all the way up. That shows the power of education.”