As the first woman to hold the position of government chief scientific adviser (GCSA), Prof. Dame Angela McLean will succeed Sir Patrick Vallance.
At Oxford University, Dame Angela serves as the Ministry of Defence's chief scientific adviser and is a specialist in the spread of infectious diseases.
Dame Angela was Sir Patrick's assistant during the pandemic, and she was instrumental in formulating recommendations at the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies.
She will take up her post on 1 April.
"I am delighted to take on this role at such an important time in our country for science, innovation and technology," Dame Angela said.
"Sir Patrick will be greatly missed by all of us in government, and I am looking forward to working with colleagues to continue the work he started while serving as GCSA.
"My long-term mentor, the late Lord Robert May, held the post of GCSA between 1995 and 2000 and that personal connection adds a particular depth to my sense of honour in being asked to take on this role. ".
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who selected Dame Angela, said the role, created in 1964, was vital in enabling government to harness science to:.
- improve public services.
- create jobs.
- grow the economy.
"I'm delighted that Dame Angela is taking on this role to advise the government on how we make this happen - building on Sir Patrick's instrumental work over the past five years, which included helping the country through some of our greatest challenges, from the pandemic to climate change," he said.
Dame Angela has a strong interest in:.
- the use of scientific evidence to form public policy .
- explaining issues of concern simply and clearly to non-scientific audiences.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan said: "I hope this appointment will inspire more women and young girls to see science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects as an exciting career choice. ".
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