Born on 19th April 1956, Anne Glover studied at Edinburgh University (UK) for a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry 1974-78 and then studied at Cambridge University (UK) where she obtained a Doctorate in Molecular Microbiology 1978-81.
She has pursued a career in scientific research at Aberdeen University (UK) where she took up the post of Lecturer in 1983 becoming a Professor in 2001. Her research has been varied and she has investigated how proteins are synthesised and directed to the correct location within our cells, the diversity and function of the microbial population in soil, the development of biological sensors (biosensors) to detect environmental pollution and more recently, how we respond to stress at the molecular level. This current area of research has particular relevance to how we age (our cells are under stress in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease) and also how we respond to artificial stresses such as chemotherapy.
In 1999 she commercialised some of her biosensor technology into a successful company which diagnoses environmental pollution and provides solutions for its clean-up.
She has played major roles for UK research councils in the setting of strategic priorities and budgets for science and has been a partner in several European research initiatives. In 2006, she was awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by the Queen in recognition of her services to environmental sciences.
Anne served 2006-2011 as first Chief Scientific Adviser to the Scottish Government.
In 2008 she was made a Woman of Outstanding Achievement in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) and has worked hard to raise the profile of women in SET and to ensure that not only are women are recruited into careers in SET but that they are supported to remain in the profession during their careers.
Anne has a strong interest in how science, engineering and technology can contribute to the developing world and chaired the UK Collaborative on Development Sciences 2009-2011 which works with others such as the Gates Foundation to enhance our partnerships with the developing world.
Anne joined the European Commission on the 1st of January 2012 as first Chief Scientific Adviser to the President.