Changes to government science department

The new Prime Minister has merged the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology into a new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. In response, Paul Nurse, the President of the Royal Society said:

“The Prime Minister understands the transformative power of science, knowledge, innovation, and technology. They are all parts of an interlinked and interdependent system of research that drives economic growth, health care, security, education, prosperity and the public good.

“We now have a new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and it is essential that science is in no way a junior partner. We need to see the Prime Minister and the new Secretary of State put their active support behind the full science system. That is how we make science deliver across all parts of government and the best way to make science work for everyone.”

The President has also commented on the Science Minister, Patrick Vallance FRS, stepping down. He said:

“Patrick Vallance has been an outstanding voice for science in Government. His experience from both the lab and business gave him great insight on how best to support science and ensure it led to the public good, including promoting economic growth. His contribution during the pandemic was of huge value to all of us. I am very sorry to see him step down from his role in Government. He will be sorely missed.”