Thomas Lyell Centre Appoints a New Head of Department
Following the tragic death of Professor Leo Dalton in 2013, the position of head of the Lyell Centre has now been filled. Professor Dalton, who had held the position for many years, saw in a number of changes including the creation of a new forensic science department in the Lyell Centre. The new department has been quite a success, accounting for 27% of the Centre's profits within the last year. It is thus a fitting legacy to Professor Dalton.
Doctor Thomas Chamberlain will replace Professor Dalton at the beginning of 2014. Doctor Chamberlain is a Consultant Pathologist who has built his career around his specialism of toxicology. He has published several papers in the Lancet and one such example can be seen in the latest volume that is published next month. Having worked at several different mortuaries in London, the Lyell Centre will surely benefit greatly from his vast experience both in the lab and field.
When approached for a comment Doctor Chamberlain expressed his condolences for his predecessor and outlined his plans for the future
"The Lyell Centre is a renowned institution for forensic excellence both in pathology and in its newly established forensic science unit. It is thus with great sadness that I take over from Professor Dalton who passed away in such tragic circumstances. However, I am thrilled to have been offered this position and intend to carry on the legacy that Professor Dalton has built up.
In my new position, I intend to restore confidence in both the forensic sciences and indeed the Lyell Centre. It has been a difficult fifteen months for the Lyell Centre with both budget cuts, loss of two members of staff and attempting to get a new forensic science unit of the ground. But, with my expertise and sensitivities I am sure, with the work of my new team, we can restore the reputation of the Lyell Centre to its former position of being a shining example of both forensic pathology and forensic science,"
Doctor Chamberlain will begin his new appointment on the 2nd January 2014, taking over for Doctor Nicola Alexander, who has been heading up the Lyell Centre in absence of a permanent head.
None of the Lyell Centre team could be reached for comment.