Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow steps down as Society President
News, Jul 09 2026
Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow has retired from her role as Society President after four years. Since her appointment in 2022, Julia has overseen the continued success of the organisation against shifting landscapes including changes to academic publishing, the introduction of open access, and geopolitical changes and challenges.
Julia’s tenure has seen the development and launch of the Society’s current strategic vision, the implementation of governance review changes following the 2025 AGM and the appointment of a new CEO in December 2025, following the previous incumbent’s retirement. Throughout, Julia has championed the molecular bioscience community and encouraged support for those at the start of their careers, for example by approving additional Society awards for early career researchers over the last three years due to the outstanding calibre of nominations.
Julia says:
“It has been an honour to serve as Biochemical Society President over the last four years; I am very proud of all that the organisation continues to deliver both for its members and for the wider molecular bioscience community. I thank all my fellow Trustees, Society volunteers, ambassadors and staff without whom such work would not be possible, and look forward to seeing the organisation’s continued success.”
Following today’s AGM, we’re pleased to share that Professor Richard Reece, former Vice President, has now stepped into the role of Society President and we’re looking forward to working with him to continue to shape the future of the Society.
Richard says:
“I am delighted to be taking on the role of Society President and building on the firm foundations laid by my predecessor Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow, to take the Society forward into the next phase of its strategy. The Society remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our community in an increasingly complex and challenging environment, ensuring we remain responsive and resilient.”
We thank Julia for her commitment during her time in the role and wish her the very best for the future.
