Dundee professor Jacob George has been appointed the UK’s first Chief Medical & Science Officer

Professor George will take up the role in 2026 (Picture: University of Dundee)

The University of Dundee’s Professor Jacob George has been appointed as the first Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Professor George, who is Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Therapeutics at Dundee’s School of Medicine and a consultant with NHS Tayside, will lead scientific excellence and shape the future of medicine regulation across the UK.

“I’m delighted to be joining the MHRA at an important time for the agency and the UK life sciences sector,” he said.

“The MHRA has a direct influence on the safety and effectiveness of the medicines, vaccines, and health technologies used every day by millions of people across the UK, and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to make a major contribution to high quality patient care and life sciences innovation.”

Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Seaton said the appointment reflected both Professor George’s achievements and the University’s strong reputation in medical research.

“This news highlights the prowess of staff across our School of Medicine and cements the University of Dundee as a centre of excellence for medical training and research.”

Professor George, who joins the MHRA in January 2026, will be based between London, Hertfordshire and Scotland.

Professor Anthony Harnden, MHRA Chair, said his experience would be “invaluable in taking forward our work to protect and promote public health.”

Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray added, “Professor George has made an exceptional contribution to cardiovascular medicine in Scotland through combining academic excellence with frontline clinical leadership to improve outcomes for patients.”