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Scientists comment on Lord Patrick Vallance resigning as the Science Minister.
Edith Heard, Director and CEO of the Francis Crick Institute, said:
“Patrick Vallance has been a powerful advocate for science in government, and in particular for the vital role of discovery research in driving the advances that underpin future growth and prosperity. I would like to personally thank him for his support for ambitious, curiosity-driven research and for consistently championing the fundamental science that makes future breakthroughs possible. He has helped create an environment in which bold ideas can flourish and deliver lasting benefits for society.”
Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:
“We would like to thank Lord Vallance for his support for engineering and technology, both as Government Chief Scientific Adviser and, more recently, as Science Minister and Minister for Nuclear. He has been a great advocate for the power of innovation to drive growth and to improve lives, and was instrumental in putting science, engineering and technology at the heart of the industrial strategy.
“Throughout his time in public service, he brought a deep understanding of how research, innovation and engineering translate into real-world impact. Across both his scientific and ministerial roles, he brought a rare combination of scientific expertise, practical insight and an understanding of how innovation happens in the real world
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Lord Vallance in his role as Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation, which champions the very best in engineering excellence around the world.”
John-Arne Røttingen, Chief Executive of Wellcome, said:
“I would like to thank Patrick Vallance for recognising and championing the value of science not just to growth and innovation, but also to how it inspires and shapes wider society.
As Science Minister, he has been a tireless advocate for our sector in government. Making the most of his experience in research and industry, he has made invaluable contributions that will have a long-lasting impact on UK science & innovation. At Wellcome, we are particularly thankful for our partnership in establishing the Health Data Research Service, ensuring health data powers new discoveries and better healthcare for all.”
Professor Naomi Allen, Chief Scientist at UK Biobank, said:
“Through his career Lord Vallance’s commitment to science as a national priority has cemented the UK as a global leader in science and innovation. He has brought a wealth of expertise to the job – from fundamental science to industry work and clinical trial discoveries. Through this, Lord Vallance has driven science as a whole up the political agenda.
“It has been a tremendous opportunity to work with Lord Vallance in his role as Science Minister, not only due to his vast knowledge of the scientific community, but his direct interest and care in the work of UK Biobank to improve public health. We look forward to working with his successor to continue building on this progress, growing our global resource, and unlocking thousands of opportunities to advance medicine and transform people’s health.”
Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said:
“Patrick Vallance has been an outstanding voice for science in Government. His experience from both the lab and business gave him great insight on how best to support science and ensure it led to the public good, including promoting economic growth. His contribution during the pandemic was of huge value to all of us. I am very sorry to see him step down from his role in Government. He will be sorely missed.”
Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI, said:
“Patrick Vallance has been a tremendous Science Minister and a genuine champion for the UK’s life sciences sector. He has been instrumental in beginning to turn around international sentiment towards the UK as a life sciences destination. On behalf of the industry, I want to thank him for his leadership and his willingness to engage directly and constructively with me and with our sector throughout his time in office. He leaves big shoes to fill.
“I look forward to working with whoever the new Prime Minister appoints to this critical role, and to continuing to build on the momentum needed to deliver the real growth and investment potential of UK life sciences.”
Prof Sir John Hardy, Professor of Neuroscience and Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London (UCL), said:
“It was reassuring to have someone with the ear of the PM who understood science and medicine. So often, as a community, it feels as if we are talking through interlocutors who do not understand the issues.”
Declared interests
The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.