The First Minister has today announced he will proceed to appoint a Chief Scientific Advisor for Wales.
This announcement follows a review into the creation of a Chief Scientific Advisor for Wales, carried out by Professor Christopher Pollock on behalf of the First Minister during 2008.
The First Minister, who also has the role of Science Minister, 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.
"Wales is fortunate to already possess some of the finest scientific research and medical technology departments in Europe, with an impressive track record of innovation – including automated DNA testing, dispersive X-ray spectrometry and 3D intelligent sensor technology – and of course, the pioneering work of Professor Sir Martin Evans, awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for his research into stem cell technology.
"We have also developed world-wide trading and academic partnerships, built on the links between academic centres based at Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Bangor Universities and indigenous companies.
“Together, we are expanding the frontiers of knowledge in a wide range of specialities – including stem cell research, cellular analysis, whole body imaging, vitro diagnostics, diabetes and chronic disease research and medical device design & manufacture.
"This concentration of know-how and skill has already produced a number of leading-edge developments, including the £16.5 million PETIC in Cardiff and the £22 million NanoHealth Centre at Swansea University - alongside the nearby £50m Institute of Life Sciences and Boots Innovation Centre.
"To support and build on these developments in the next decade, we need to promote STEM subjects in our schools and colleges, and to try to ensure that more and more bright youngsters not only choose to study science subjects in schools and universities, but also pursue science careers thereafter.
"The Assembly Government also employs many scientific civil servants and many departments already have chief scientists or chief scientific officers. What we do not have is a Chief Scientific Advisor with direct access to the First Minister. That is the key to the value added that we will get from this appointment.
The First Minister also expressed his gratitude to Profesor Pollock, who prepared the report, and to Professor Anne Glover, the Chief Scientific Advisor to Scotland, who advised on the way the role works.
“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."
