Wales to get first ever Chief Scientific Advisor

Institute of Physics News

22 June 2009

Senedd

First Minister Rhodri Morgan announced last week that he will appoint a Chief Scientific Advisor for Wales. The announcement follows years of lobbying for the creation of the post by experts, politicians and scientific organisations, including the Institute of Physics (IOP).

Following a 2008 review into the creation of a Chief Scientific Advisor for Wales,
the new post is likely to be responsible for collating and challenging advice from the Assembly Government as well as championing science in education and economy.

Morgan, who also has the role of Science Minister in Wales, said, “The promotion of science in Wales is fundamental to developing our mission as a world-respected knowledge-led economy. Building up our science base, and faster commercialisation of the science base we already have, are two of the keys to that.”

“The appointment of a Chief Scientific Advisor for Wales will ensure we build on this impressive track record of achievement, and develop a more effective promotion of science and technology within the wider knowledge arena.”

“This will prove invaluable as we continue to encourage the knowledge, skills and enterprise to strengthen businesses in Wales ahead of the global economic upturn."

Angharad Thomas, IOP national officer in Wales, said, “This is great news, not only for the science community in Wales but for Wales as a whole. We hope that this role will provide a focal point for science and engineering in Wales and that the person appointed will become a champion for science and engineering and their role in a forward-looking nation.”

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