The Scottish Government recognises the importance of science in developing policy and this extends across all of its devolved responsibilities.
Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser
The post of Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland has been created and Professor Anne Glover, was appointed in August 2006.
The overall role of CSA for Scotland is to provide strong leadership on science in the Scottish Government; to further enhance Scotland's reputation as a science nation and to provide independent advice on science issues and strategy to Ministers.
The post of Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland is located within DG Education and is supported by the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser (OCSA).
OCSA currently comprises two small teams entitled Science in Government and Science and Society. The former provides general support to the CSA across her many roles while the latter supports science and society initiatives through the science centres network and public other outreach programmes (see science engagement for further details).
Professor Glover is also chair of the Scottish Science Advisory Committee and OCSA provides the SSAC's Secretariat.
Within the Government, the CSA represents those sciences not presently covered by the Chief Scientists in the Health and Environment. She leads on cross-cutting scientific issues across the Scottish Government in partnership with the other two Chief Scientists, whose line management remains with those portfolios. She also has a role in the professional development of scientific staff within the Government and represents Scotland in certain high level scientific committees in Whitehall.
The CSA's current high level priorities are to:
- Champion science in Scotland, and encourage an engaged and enthusiastic public
- Develop and maintain a strong research base
- Ensure that scientific evidence informs government policy
- Ensure good relationships with our national and international collaborators