Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently appointed Lord Browne of Madingley as the new independent Co-Chair of the Council for Science and Technology.
The Council for Science and Technology is the highest-level advisory body to the government on issues relating to the sectors and is comprised of leading industry figures both from the academic and business spheres.
The Council was first established in the year 1993 and has since provided independent advice on a number of issues, including achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Lord Browne is well-versed in the business world having sat as CEO of BP plc between 1995 and 2007 and is currently a Senior Advisor to General Atlantic on Climate and Net Zero, and Chairman of the Francis Crick Institute, the Courtauld Institute of Art, and the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. He is also on the boards of IHS Markit, Pattern Energy and Spark Cognition, and once presided over the Royal Academy of Engineering.
He will co-chair the Council in an unpaid capacity alongside Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific advisor. His term as Co-Chair will last for three years as of April 29, 2021.
Lord Browne said: “The importance of science and engineering to human progress has never been more apparent. I am delighted to take on the co-chairmanship of the Council and look forward to working with its distinguished members to provide independent advice to the Prime Minister for the benefit of society.”
Sir Patrick commented: “Lord Browne brings with him a wealth of experience which will enable the council to continue to deliver high calibre advice on science and technology issues to the government. I look forward to working with him across a range of important issues.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dame Nancy Rothwell who has provided exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions over her 10 years as independent Co-Chair of the Council for Science and Technology”.
