Wellcome Trust appoints new Head of Education

20 September 2007

The Wellcome Trust has appointed Simon Gallacher as its new Head of Education. His remit will be to provide leadership and management of the science education work of the Trust, developing and implementing a science education strategy over the coming years.

"Simon has clearly joined the Wellcome Trust at an exciting time," explains Clare Matterson, Director of Medicine, Society and History, "as we expand our education remit and continue to engagement young people in science. Simon's role will be to develop and implement an evidence-based strategy in support of science education, and he will work with other high profile partner organisations on a number of collaborative projects."

Simon Gallacher comments: "I'm delighted to be offered the opportunity to work for such a diverse organisation as the Wellcome Trust, and look forward to the many of the challenges that the job will bring."

Before joining the Trust, Simon worked at the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) where for six years he played a central role in developing and managing the supply elements of the initial teacher training market in England.

Prior to working at TDA, Simon completed a PhD in soil chemistry at the University of Glasgow, and carried out postdoctorial work at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne as a primary school teacher specialising in science. He has also worked for four years at the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and as education adviser to a number of professional and statutory bodies.

Media enquiries

Mike Findlay
Media Officer
Wellcome Trust
T +44 (0)20 7611 8612
E m.findlay@wellcome.ac.uk

The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending around £500 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing.