Prime Minister unveils plans to make UK scientific ‘superpower’

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out plans to develop the country’s scientific strengths. A new National Science and Technology Council will be established and chaired by the Prime Minister. 

The Prime Minister has also asked Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance to head up a new Office for Science and Technology Strategy and take up the role of the new National Technology Adviser, in addition to his current role as the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser and head of the Government Office for Science.

This office is intended to strengthen the government’s insight into cutting-edge research and technologies and work across government to put science and technology at the centre of policy and public services. 

One of the first tasks of the Office for Science and Technology Strategy will be to review the technology bets the UK should back and prioritise for strategic advantage. 

“From discovery to delivery, our vaccination programme has proven what the UK can achieve at scale and at speed. With 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. That is why I am 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’s place as a global science superpower,” said Johnson.

Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said: “The new Office for Science and Technology Strategy will put science and technology right at the heart of policy-making and strengthen the way we work across government to reinforce the position of the UK as a science superpower. I 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.”