This is a new role jointly in the new Department of Business, Innovation, Science and trade (BIST) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
“We welcome Chris McDonald being appointed Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Investment and look forward to working with him in his new role.
“The role of science minister is vital in ensuring that UK R&D delivers real changes that have a tangible impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.
“R&D tackles major societal challenges, helps grow our economy and creates jobs and opportunities for people across the UK. To achieve this, Government commitment to stable funding and investment in R&D must remain unchanged.
“His joint ministerial role with the Department of Health and Social Care has the potential to strengthen connections between the two departments and benefit the R&D sector, particularly in the life sciences. However, this must not be at the expense of other areas of research, and we look forward to more clarity on his responsibilities which I am sure will follow imminently.
“It is critical that the new minister champions the whole R&D system, from curiosity-led to applied research; academia to scale-up businesses; and across disciplines.
“With degrees in chemical engineering and a research career in the steel industry, Chris McDonald will be aware of the breadth and depth of UK R&D, and CaSE looks forward to working with him to support a thriving and diverse sector.”
Dr Alicia Greated
Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE)
CaSE has written to the new minister
Read the full letterRelated press
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