November 14, 2023

expert reaction to the appointment of a new Minister for Science

Scientists react to the appointment of a new Minister for Science. 

Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the UK Bioindustry Association (BIA), said:

“Andrew Griffith is taking on one of the most exciting ministerial briefs in government. There has never been a greater political emphasis on the importance of science, innovation and technology to our country’s future than now, and never before has there been a greater opportunity to grow our global leadership in areas like mRNA therapies, AI-powered drug discovery and gene editing.

“Andrew gets this intuitively. He was central to the rescue of Silicon Valley Bank in the UK when it was put at risk by its US parent company’s collapse. He rapidly grasped the existential threat the bank’s closure would mean for the UK’s innovative life science and tech companies, about half of which had funds in it, and moved swiftly to secure a rescue by HSBC. I look forward to working with him to build on that legacy.”

Prof Sarah Main, Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering, said:

“George Freeman has been an active and passionate voice for science, championing UK science and engineering in Government and beyond. We have enjoyed working with him over the last several years and wish him the best of luck for his future.”

“On behalf of CaSE, I would like to congratulate Andrew Griffith on taking up the role of Minister of State for Science Innovation and Technology. His experience of business and innovation, inside and outside of Parliament, will bring a fresh perspective on the UK science economy. We look forward to helping him connect with the full breadth of the research community to help put science and engineering at the heart of the UK’s future.”

Declared interests

For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.