DSIT Enhances Leadership to Achieve UK’s Goal of Becoming a Sci-Tech Superpower

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a series of key appointments to its leadership team, bringing in leading experts from various fields to drive the UK’s transformation into a science and technology superpower.

Professor Christopher Johnson has been appointed as the Chief Scientific Advisor, bringing over 20 years of experience in engineering and physical sciences, with a focus on safety and security. He will work alongside the National Technology Adviser, Dr David Smith, and collaborate with other departmental Chief Scientific Advisers under the leadership of Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean.

In addition to Professor Johnson’s appointment, new expert non-executives have been appointed to the DSIT Departmental Board and Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee. Shonnel Malani will continue as the Lead Non-Executive Director, providing strategic oversight, while Melissa Di Donato, Jason Chin, and Saul Klein will transition from the Start-up Board to the new Departmental Board.

New appointees Dominic Field and Liz Cohen will join the board, with Liz also chairing the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee. Bryan Ingleby, Gillian Leng, Mark Poulton, and Vikas Shah will also join the committee, bringing a wealth of experience in health, law, risk management, and marketing.

These appointments come at a pivotal time for DSIT, as the department looks to build on a successful first year and drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve lives through science, technology, and innovation. With a strong leadership team in place, DSIT is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goal of making the UK a global innovation leader.