The UK Department for Business and Trade has announced that Professor Julia Sutcliffe will take on the role of Chief Scientific Adviser, following a competitive recruitment process. In her new position, Professor Sutcliffe will provide science and engineering advice to ministers and senior officials, support an evidence-driven approach to decision-making, and promote the development of scientific capability within the department. She will also work with other departmental Chief Scientific Advisers and the Government Office for Science to address cross-cutting issues.
Professor Sutcliffe, who currently holds the position of Chief Technologist at BAE Systems, brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. She holds an Honorary Professorship in computer science from the University of Manchester, is a Chartered Engineer, and is a Fellow of both the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Aeronautical Society. She has also served in various advisory roles related to UK science and technology, including as the UK’s industry representative on NATO Science and Technology Board and as a Programme Advisory Committee member for the UK AEA.
Expressing her excitement at the opportunity to take on this role, Professor Sutcliffe said that she hopes to leverage her experiences from her career and the support of the UK’s scientific and industrial communities to help the country champion science and technology excellence and partnerships on a global scale. Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, congratulated Professor Sutcliffe on her appointment and praised her distinguished scientific, engineering, and industrial career.
Professor Sutcliffe will assume her new position at the end of February 2023, succeeding Dr. Mike Short, who has held the role of Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for International Trade for the past five years. With her extensive background in science, engineering, and industry, Professor Sutcliffe is poised to make a significant contribution to the department’s efforts to promote science and technology in support of the UK’s business and trading relationships.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
