Woman appointed deputy Government Chemist

For the first time in its 100 year history, a woman has been appointed as deputy Government chemist.

Selvarani Elahi becomes the first female scientist to hold the title in the UK and succeeds Ian Lumley who has retired. She will act as deputy for Dr Derek Craston, who has been the Government Chemist since June 2008.

“I am extremely pleased to be taking up the post of deputy Government chemist and I look forward to supporting Dr Derek Craston in his role as the UK’s Government Chemist,” said Elahi, who is also head of consumer protection services at LGC.

“The Government Chemist function is fundamental to providing an independent voice for sound analytical measurement science and preventing miscarriages of justice.”

The Government Chemist is appointed by the State with the remit to discharge the statutory function of referee analyst to resolve disputes over analytical measurements, particularly in relation to food regulatory enforcement.

They also take an active involvement in promoting analytical science and technology, and provide advice to Government and the wider community on policy, standards and regulation.

Elahi has over 20 years’ experience of the analysis of food and agriculture samples to establish their composition, particularly for contaminants, additives and nutrients, and to assess their authenticity for both the private and public sector.

“As well as resolving disputes, a key aspect of the role is preventing disputes from arising by conducting salient project work and giving well informed advice to stakeholders,” said Elahi. “My experience of the analysis of food and animal feed will help me discharge my duties in this important statutory role.”