Dame Angela McLean has been appointed as the UK’s chief scientific adviser – the first woman to hold the post.
McLean will take over the role of providing independent scientific advice to the prime minister and members of the cabinet on 1 April, after the end of Sir Patrick Vallance’s five-year term. She will also advise on aspects of science and technology policy, and work to improve the quality and use of scientific evidence and advice in government.
McLean said she looked forward to building on the work Vallance had led during his time in the role, which included regularly appearing alongside the prime minister at televised briefings during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am delighted to take on this role at such an important time in our country for science, innovation and technology,” she said.
A professor of mathematical biology at the University of Oxford, McLean has served as chief scientific adviser to the Ministry of Defence since 2019.
During the pandemic she regularly attended meetings of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), and she co-chaired the subgroup that used epidemiology, data analysis and mathematical modelling to help inform the government’s response. Her own research interests lie in the use of mathematical models to better understand the evolution and spread of infectious agents.
Vallance welcomed her appointment, saying: “Angela brings with her a wealth of expertise and experience, and has been an excellent departmental chief scientific adviser.”
Other scientists echoed these sentiments. Sir Adrian Smith, president of the Royal Society, described her as “an outstanding scientist and a leader in the science community”, with “a proven track record of advising the government on aspects of science and technology”.
“With Angela at the helm, we can look forward to science being at the heart of the government’s agenda,” he said.
Dame Anne Johnson, president of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said McLean would be taking over the role at a pivotal time: “The GCSA has an essential role in championing the opportunities that scientific research brings including leading innovation, boosting economic growth and improving the health of the nation. As we saw during the pandemic, research is vital for protecting the UK from future health threats.
“Her previous role as chief scientific adviser to the Ministry of Defence and her broad expertise in infectious disease epidemiology both place her well to best champion evidence-based decision-making in government.”
As part of her role, McClean will serve as head of the Government Science & Engineering Profession, a group of more than 10,000 civil servants with a background or interest in science and engineering. She will also form part of the executive team of the newly created Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “Delivering improved public services, creating new jobs and growing our economy through cutting-edge industries can only be made possible by advances in science, technology and innovation.
“I’m delighted that Dame Angela is taking on this role to advise the government on how we make this happen – building on Sir Patrick’s instrumental work over the past five years, which included helping the country through some of our greatest challenges from the pandemic to climate change.”
