Professor Mary Bownes

Prof. Mary Bownes, OBE, FRSE

Trustee

Mary became a Trustee of National Museums Scotland in April 2017 and her second term of appointment runs until March 2025.

Mary Bownes is a Professor of Developmental Biology and has retired as Senior Vice-Principal of the University of Edinburgh.

Mary ran an active research team for many years and was Head of the Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology becoming Senior Vice- Principal when she led on a variety of projects. She has served on national and international bodies relating to research, postgraduate education, widening access, sustainability and public engagement and has been actively engaged with National Museums Scotland over a number of years, especially during the Science Festival and in advising on the development of National Museum Scotland’s new Science and Technology Galleries.

Mary lives in Edinburgh.