Ian Shaw graduated with a BSc (Biochemistry, 1^st Class) from the University of Bath in 1978, followed by a PhD in Biochemistry (Toxicology) from the University of Birmingham in 1981. He was appointed to the first UK lectureship in toxicology at University College London.

His career progressed via Boehringer Ingelheim where he was Senior Clinical Scientist to head of toxicology at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food’s Central Veterinary Laboratory where he was responsible for residues in food, Professor of Toxicology at the University of Lancashire before moving to New Zealand to head the food group at ESR. He was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (Science) at the University of Canterbury (UC) in 2004 and in 2009 he decided to return to his teaching and research roots as Professor of Toxicology at UC.

He has sat on or chaired numerous government advisory committees in the UK and New Zealand, notably chair of the UK government’s Pesticide Residues Committee for 12 years.

He has published over 150 scientific papers, 6 books and written numerous articles for newspapers.

He was elected Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2009 for his contribution to toxicology research, and the University of Bath awarded him a DSc in 2019 for his international contribution to toxicology, food safety and science communication. The New Zealand Institute of Scientists awarded him their science communicator’s medal in 2009, and UC honoured him with an emeritus professorship in 2026 for his ‘significant contribution to the University and his high national and international esteem’.