Professor Tim Dafforn to become new MOD Chief Scientific Adviser

University of Birmingham Professor Tim Dafforn has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Ministry of Defence.

Professor Dafforn brings a wealth of experience to the role, coming from the University of Birmingham where his research focuses on applying nanotechnology to enhance the exploitation of biomolecules for public good.

Previously serving as Chief Scientific Adviser in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and as Chief Entrepreneur to the UK Government, Professor Dafforn has led teams in futures and foresight work as well as emerging technologies.

During his time in government, he has led influential reports on the UK entrepreneurship environment, contributing valuable insights to the Industrial Strategy and advising the Prime Minister through his work with the Council for Science and Technology and the Government Chief Scientific Adviser.

Welcoming the appointment, Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham said:

“I am delighted that Professor Tim Dafforn has been invited to bring his considerable academic and policy expertise to support the Ministry of Defence as Chief Scientific Adviser. The CSA post is a crucial role in Government to bring academia to heart of policy making, and this appointment speaks to the calibre of Professor Dafforn’s experience in similar roles.”

Defence Science Background

As well as his other roles working with Government, Professor Dafforn has spent six years as a member of the Defence Science Expert Committee in the MOD. In this role, he assisted the department on science and technology portfolio development.

He also collaborated with the MOD Chief Scientific Adviser, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to develop the UK's strategy for Engineering Biology.

Tim Dafforn, Professor of Biotechnology and Director of the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of Birmingham said:

"I'm excited by the challenge of ensuring science and technology is at the centre of Defence. Having been a member of the Defence Science Expert Committee for several years, I've seen the important impact the MOD can have on the development of science and technology, and vice versa."

Currently, Professor Dafforn serves as a member of council at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and is a Vice President and trustee of the Institute of Engineering Biology.