Government's Chief Scientific Adviser visits Bragg Centre to see pioneering materials research
A visit to Leeds' Bragg Centre for Materials Research formed the centrepiece of a visit by the Chief Scientific Adviser, to explore how research excellence can support future-focused policymaking.
Providing balanced, future-focused policy advice is a key motivation for Professor Chris Johnson at the newly established Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology.
During his visit, Professor Johnson also met researchers and University leaders to discuss the role of science in informing government policy, his career in public service, and the importance of ethics in engineering.
He also outlined his journey into science from his degrees to a fellowship at Nasa and his leadership roles at Glasgow University and Queens University, Belfast.
“Science advice is about being fair and focused, ensuring that we are delivering capability for future generations,” said Professor Johnson.
“It is about delivering science advice that creates a legacy. By collaborating and communicating with central government to ensure strategically relevant investments benefit society both economically and socially.”
Professor Chris Johnson addresses audience in Nexus
In his role, Professor Johnson provides scientific and technical advice on the department’s policy areas by engaging with the scientific research community and advocating for regions across the UK.
It is about delivering science advice that creates a legacy.
Professor Johnson’s tour of the Bragg Centre for Materials Research introduced him to the X-ray Diffraction Facility and the Tescan Tensor in the Leeds Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy Facility.
Professor Nick Plant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, said: “Through our research and innovation at Leeds, we are ensuring that our emerging technologies and interdisciplinary expertise deliver impact across policy, public services, the economy and society.
“By creating this opportunity to speak with Professor Johnson, we showcased the vital role that research and innovation at Leeds plays in supporting the region’s innovation ambitions, informing the evolving devolution agenda and delivering impact for people, places and future generations.”
Professor Edmund Linfield, Director of the Bragg Centre for Materials Research, with Professor Chris Johnson.
Professor Johnson also visited Nexus, the University’s innovation hub. Here, he met with the team behind Atlas Endoscopy, a clinical-stage start-up and University of Leeds spin-out company that is creating an advanced robotic colonoscopy system.
He later attended a session on enabling science to clinical translation at Nexus, which highlighted examples of disease understanding, diagnosis, treatment and technology.
Further information
- For more information, please contact Rebecca Hurrey at r.hurrey@leeds.ac.uk in the University of Leeds press office.
- Photo credit: Simon and Simon photography.
