THE first chief scientist at the UN is to take up a new role with the University of Sussex.

The Falmer-based university has appointed internationally renowned expert Professor Joseph Alcamo, a former chief scientist at the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), as its sustainability research programme director.

The award-winning American scientist, who will take up the post in April, said he was honoured to be joining world-leading investor sustainability science research.

During a highly regarded international career in environmental science and policy, Professor Alcamo has led research groups in several countries.

For the last two decades, he has been a professor at the University of Kassel in Germany but took a leave of absence between 2009 and 2013 to become the first person to hold a chief scientist post at the UN.

During his four years at UNEP, he brought together large groups of scientists to produce influential reports for policymakers on climate change, air pollution, ozone layer depletion and food security issues.

After leaving UNEP he served as special science adviser to the UN head of climate negotiations, Christiana Figueres, during the run up to the historic Paris Climate Agreement, signed in April.

At the University of Sussex, Professor Alcamo will lead a new global sustainability hub fostering partnerships and providing cutting-edge scientific policy advice to governments, the private sector, citizens and funders.

Professor Michael Davies, pro-vice-chancellor for research, said: “Professor Alcamo has proven himself to be a global leader in bridging the gap between science, policy and practice, which is vital if we are to create a more sustainable future.

“We are delighted Professor Alcamo is set to become the new director of the Sussex sustainability research programme.

“I am sure with his high-profile international experience as a distinguished environmental scientist, we can create a programme which encourages both government and industry to make more sustainable decisions.”

Professor Alcamo said: “I believe sustainability science is at the frontier of research, and where the vital interests of society and science coincide.

“I know of few institutions in the world investing as much in this research as the University of Sussex.

“So I am especially honoured and pleased to be able to lead this ambitious programme.”

The Sussex sustainability research programme was launched by the University of Sussex last year together with the Institute of Development Studies.

The programme spans four of the university’s schools, including business, management and economics, global studies, law, politics and sociology and life sciences.