June 8, 2011

expert reaction to appointment of new Chief Scientific Adviser to the Treasury

For the first time, a Chief Scientific Adviser has been appointed to the Treasury. James Richardson was director of public spending and was appointed internally. The Treasury was previously the only government department not to have a scientific advisor.

Imran Khan, Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, said:

“It’s great news that HM Treasury have finally caught up and recognised the importance of having a Chief Scientific Adviser. We desperately need someone within the department who can talk about how critical a long-term investment strategy for science and engineering is for the UK’s future. Without one, we’re going to lose out in the international knowledge-economy race.

“Now we need to ensure that the new post-holder is independent from the civil service, and has sufficient oversight powers, to make an impact.

“CaSE has been pointing out for some time that the Treasury was the only Government department that didn’t have a Chief Scientific Adviser – though we’re concerned that the Department for Transport hasn’t made moves to replace its outgoing CSA.”