Geoff Simm

Since 2021, Geoff is the co-director of the Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action. The Jameel Observatory combines the local knowledge and concerns of communities facing on-the-ground threats of hunger with innovations in data science and humanitarian action; teaming up to devise solutions that can predict, prepare for and overcome climate-related food security and malnutrition challenges in dryland areas.

Geoff is also the chair of Global Agriculture and Food Security, assistant principal, and director of the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems at the University of Edinburgh. The Academy is an interdisciplinary hub of researchers, teachers and students seeking evidence and learning for sustainable, ethical food systems for healthy people and a healthy planet.

Geoff’s background is in research, education, industry and policy engagement on sustainable farm animal breeding and sustainable agri-food systems. Prior to joining the University in 2016, he held a variety of leadership roles in SRUC and its predecessors.

He is a fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, a fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy.