The government has revealed plans for a National Science and Technology Council to tackle the UK鈥檚 societal challenges.听
Chaired by the Prime Minister, it听aims to听provide strategic direction on the use of science and technology听for the public good.听
Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance听has been invited听to听head up a new Office for Science and Technology Strategy, based in the Cabinet Office, and take up the role of the new National Technology Adviser, in addition to his current role as the Government鈥檚 Chief Scientific Adviser and head of the Government Office for Science.听
The new Office aims to work听across government to put science and technology at the centre of policy and public services.听The government highlighted听developing technology to reach net zero听emissions, curing cancer and keeping听UK听citizens safe at home and abroad听as examples of areas it will target.听
鈥淔rom discovery to delivery, our vaccination programme has proven what the UK can achieve at scale and at speed,鈥� said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.听
鈥淲ith the right direction, pace and backing, we can breathe life into many more scientific and technological breakthroughs that transform the lives of people across the UK and the world.听
鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 establishing a new ministerial council and office at the centre of government, so we can realise the limitless possibilities that research and technology has to offer and cement the UK鈥檚 place as a global science superpower.鈥�听
Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said:听鈥淭he new Office for Science and Technology Strategy will put science and technology right at the heart of听policy-making听and strengthen the way we work across government to reinforce the position of the UK as a science superpower.听听
鈥淚 look forward to working with the National Science and Technology Council to help identify cutting-edge research and technologies that will deliver strategic advantage for the UK.鈥�听