Gavin joined JSC in 1998, where he is now one of the longest serving members.

He initially graduated from Oxford with a degree in Zoology, before going on to carry out research into the effects of aphids on tree growth and the mechanisms of host plant resistance for his PhD thesis at University College, Cardiff. Here, he had the opportunity to work in conjunction with the Forestry Commission.  

After university, he moved to Jealott’s Hill Research Station of ICI (later Zeneca) Agrochemicals, where he was responsible for laboratory and field testing with honey bees and non-target arthropods.  This involved assessing the effects of plant protection products on these organisms and then using this information for regulatory risk assessments and other product support.  His interest in this work led him to becoming involved with several groups responsible for developing test methodology and risk assessment schemes at the EU regulatory level.  These included the ICPBR Bee Protection Group, for which he is now vice-Chair, and the infamous ESCORT workshop (as Treasurer he has to maintain the ESCORT account and often has difficulty explaining that this is a serious scientific endeavour).

After a number of years engaged in practical work, he was recruited to the Regulatory Group at Covance Laboratories, where he was responsible for the whole Ecotoxicology area.  While working alongside his Environmental Fate colleagues, he developed a comprehensive environmental risk assessment service.  After this experience at a large organisation, Gavin decided that he preferred working for a smaller, more responsive group and so moved to JSC.

Gavin now lives in the ‘wilds’ of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, where he is surrounded by chickens, sheep and llamas.