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Supporting Science and Engineering in Government – the Government Office for Science sets out the approach

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 27 October 2009

Robust scientific and engineering advice are heralded as the foundation of good government underpinning economic success and social justice, according to a new document published today. Science and Engineering in Government, published by the Government Office for Science, sets out the Government’s approach to the management of such advice in the face of the great global challenges of the 21 st century.

This document is published after the Government has confirmed that every major science-using department now has a chief scientific adviser (CSA). The Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA), Professor John Beddington, and the departmental Chief Scientific Advisers provide a unique capability, working with other analysts, to support the Government by ensuring that the development of key policies is soundly based on the best available evidence.

The document also outlines the GCSA’s role as Head of the Science and Engineering Profession in Government. The Government Science and Engineering community has been established to support robust advice throughout all levels of government.

Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor John Beddington said:

“Climate change, demographic change and threats to food and water security will require global action on an unprecedented scale. Science and engineering will have a pivotal role to play in the response to these challenges. It is a crucial part of my job to ensure that the best scientific and engineering advice is brought to bear on these and other issues across Government.

“I am delighted that every major science-using department now has its own chief scientific adviser. This, together with the community of government scientists and engineers that I am developing will ensure that all levels of the policy making process are supported by the best science and engineering.“

Notes to Editors

The document, Science and Engineering in Government: An Overview of the Government’s Approach is available to download from the GO Science website – http://www.dius.gov.uk/office_for_science

Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers have now been appointed at the following government departments:

Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers

Communities and Local Government [Appointment pending]

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills Professor Brian Collins

Department for Children, Schools and Families Carole Willis

Department for Culture, Media and Sport Anita Charlesworth

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Professor Bob Watson

Department for International Development Professor Chris Whitty

Department for Transport Professor Brian Collins

Department for Work and Pensions Dr Bill Gunnyeon

Department of Energy and Climate Change Professor David Mackay

Department of Health Professor Dame Sally Davies

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Professor David Clary

Forestry Commission Professor Peter Freer-Smith

Food Standards Agency Dr Andrew Wadge

Home Office Professor Paul Wiles

Ministry of Defence Professor Mark Welland

The Government Office for Science (GO-Science) is headed by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA), Professor John Beddington. It exists to ensure that Government policy and decision-making is underpinned by robust scientific evidence and long-term thinking. Professor Beddington reports to the Prime Minister and Cabinet and works with all Government departments. He also heads the science and engineering profession in Government.

For more information, or to request an interview please contact Adrian Bradley, Senior Press Officer, on 020 7215 5080

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.

Contacts:

BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk