We’re delighted to announce that two Independent Trustees have joined the Biochemical Society’s Trustee Board, following a recruitment process run earlier this year.

At the 2025 Annual General Meeting, members accepted recommendations from the Society’s governance review to refresh the composition of the Trustee Board and introduce Independent Trustee positions. These roles are designed to bring complementary skills and experience to the Board, helping ensure the Society has the broadest and most relevant range of expertise to support its future direction.

Dr Elizabeth Shaw is a board director and transformational leader whose work spans innovation, growth and societal impact across sectors. She holds a PhD, alongside qualifications in microbiology and biochemistry, law, technology and business, and has advised government bodies, including the UK and US Governments, on areas linked to sovereign capability and economic growth.

Following her appointment Elizabeth said:

“My academic background began in microbiology and biochemistry, so it is a real privilege to return to that scientific community through the Biochemical Society. I’m passionate about helping organisations build trust, embrace responsible innovation and create inclusive environments where people and ideas can thrive. I look forward to supporting the Society as it continues to champion the molecular biosciences and the people who make that work possible.”

Elizabeth’s experience includes digital innovation in the reinsurance industry, transformation in higher education, and work addressing public health priorities for the UK’s National Health Service. She is active in artificial intelligence through public-sector advisory work and international collaboration on ethical AI, and supports startups to access funding, grow and expand internationally. She brings analytical oversight, financial rigour and a strong commitment to inclusive leadership to the Trustee Board.

Dr Michael Bonne is a technology and operations leader with more than 20 years’ experience across learned societies and professional membership organisations, including the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the Association for Project Management. His career has focused on strengthening organisational effectiveness and long-term sustainability through digital, data and customer-focused transformation, underpinned by strong governance and assurance.

Following his appointment Michael said:

“Having worked with learned societies and professional bodies for much of my career I know how important they are in connecting communities, supporting professional development and creating lasting public value. I’m excited to bring my experience in technology, data and transformation to the Biochemical Society, and to help ensure it has the strong, sustainable foundations it needs to keep serving its members and the wider molecular bioscience community.”

Michael is Director of Transformation & Technology at the Association for Project Management, where his work supports oversight of performance, risk and value for money, enabling Trustees to fulfil their fiduciary responsibilities. He also serves as a Trustee for the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare and holds a PhD in Chemistry, with research focused on bio-nano technology sensors. He brings strategic insight into transformation, assurance and operational resilience to the Trustee Board.

We look forward to working closely with Elizabeth and Michael, alongside the rest of the Board, as we continue to deliver the Society’s strategy for the benefit of our members.