Professor Carole Mundell
Biography
Professor Carole Mundell was appointed Chief International Science Envoy at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in January 2021. Previously Professor Mundell was Chief Scientific Adviser at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. She is Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at the University of Bath where she holds the Hiroko Sherwin Chair in Extragalactic Astronomy, and a Fellow of the Institute of Physics.
Her career highlights include:
- Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award (2011 to 2016) for the study of black hole-driven explosions and the dynamic Universe
- FDM Everywoman in Technology Woman of the Year (2016)
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Board Member and STFC Skills and Engagement Advisory Board Chair (2015)
Carole studied at the University of Glasgow where she gained a BSc in Physics before working at the Jodrell Bank Observatory, University of Manchester, where she completed a PhD in Astrophysics. She later moved to the University of Maryland before joining Liverpool John Moores University, where she received her first professorship in 2007. A world-leading scientist, she is a frequent guest speaker at international conferences. She sits on a number of strategic advisory panels for UK and international groups, is a committed communicator of science, and is an advocate for diversity in science.
Follow Professor Mundell on Twitter.
Chief International Science Envoy
The International Science Envoy works closely with UK embassies and high commissions to build and strengthen our science and technology relationships with partners across the globe, championing the UK’s world-class reputation in a range of science and technological fields. The Envoy is the FCDO Champion for the Science and Innovation Network, and leads policy thinking on emerging technologies. The International Science Envoy works closely with the cross-government science community (including as a member of the network of Chief Scientific Advisers) and the wider UK and international science and innovation community.
Previous roles in government
- FCO Chief Scientific Adviser