Professor Timothy Dafforn of the School of Biosciences has been appointed Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Professor Dafforn is currently the Entrepreneur in Residence for Synthetic Biology at BIS and brings extensive valuable experience to his new role, not least through his work as the Director of Knowledge Transfer, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham.
Professor Dafforn will ensure that the Department’s policies and operations, and its contribution to wider government issues are informed by fit-for-purpose science, technology and engineering advice.
BIS Permanent Secretary Martin Donnelly said: "Professor Dafforn’s appointment as Chief Scientific Advisor brings a depth of knowledge and experience formed in both academia and as the BIS Entrepreneur in Residence. I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role."
Government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Mark Walport said: "I am pleased to welcome Professor Dafforn to the cross-government network of Chief Scientific Advisers. I look forward to working with him to ensure that the UK continues to lead the way in the use of science and engineering evidence by Government."