This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New science champion for Scotland
25/05/2006
A new Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland has been appointed today to further enhance Scotland's reputation as a 'science nation'.
Professor Anne Glover of Aberdeen University will be seconded to the Scottish Executive to provide independent advice to Ministers, take the lead on co-ordinating science policy across the Executive and work closely with the science community.
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"My vision for Scotland as a 'science nation' is one where science and innovation is key to our economic success and raising our quality of life.
"Scotland has a remarkable history of discovery and innovation and we are continuing to deliver breakthroughs today in areas such as stem cells, e-health, genomics and informatics.
"The recent progress report on a "A Science Strategy for Scotland" also shows that we are measuring up well against our goals to compete, innovate and encourage participation in science.
"The appointment of Professor Glover as our Chief Scientific Adviser will further enhance this country's reputation.
"She will have an important role to play, not just within the Executive, but also outside it, and I look forward to working with her.
Professor Glover added:
"I am delighted to be appointed as the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland."
"Scotland's scientific endeavour is outstanding in both national and international arenas and I want to contribute to ensuring that our scientific excellence translates to increased prosperity and quality of life for the people of Scotland."
"I also hope to convey the excitement and potential of science to non-scientists so that they can share in the pleasure of new discoveries."
"I have a strong commitment to knowledge transfer and want to explore ways of enhancing the uptake of scientific research in Scotland by government, industry and society."
"All scientists need to assume responsibility for communicating their research to a wide audience so that science seems less remote and more relevant to everyday life."
The Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland's role will be:
- to champion science in Scotland
- to represent those sciences not presently covered by the Chief Scientists in the Health and Environment and Rural Affairs Departments
- to lead on cross-cutting scientific issues across the Executive in partnership with the other two Chief Scientists, whose line management will remain within their respective Departments
- to be the lead on the professional aspects of scientific staff within the Executive
- to represent Scotland in certain high level scientific committees in Whitehall
Professor Wilson Sibbett, the Chair of the Scottish Science Advisory Committee (SSAC), and the Executive's external Chief Adviser on Science will continue in that role until the end of December 2006. His role as science champion will be taken on by Professor Glover. The future arrangements for the SSAC after December are currently under review.
Professor Glover was appointed by a Board, chaired by an independent Civil Service Commissioner and including the Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Executive, following an open competition advertised in November.
The post is based in St Andrews House in Edinburgh and is located within the Office of the Permanent Secretary. Professor Glover will work three days per week as Chief Scientific Adviser and will be continuing her scientific work at Aberdeen University for the remainder of the week. She will be supported by Executive officials currently working within the Science Strategy Team.