Applied entomologist by training. Graduated with a BSc (hons) in agricultural zoology from the University of Newcastle-upon–Tyne in 1983, from Southampton University in 1986 with an MSc in applied entomology, and in 1990 with a PhD from Imperial College, London, also in applied entomology. Worked at the UK’s Natural Resources Institute from 1990 until 2006 as a senior scientific officer on projects of international technical cooperation in Africa and Asia in the fields of biological control, insect pathology, insect pest management and biopesticide regulatory frameworks. Spent seven years as an insect pathologist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Benin, West Africa. In 2006/07 seconded to the Association of Commonwealth Universities to manage the Africa Unit. In 2009 took a contract with the ACU and is currently full time coordinator of CAAST-Net, an EC funded network of European and African science ministries and agencies for promoting greater cooperation between Africa and Europe in science and technology under the EU framework programme.