New SSAC Members Appointed 2022

NEW SSAC MEMBERS APPOINTED 

Science experts will advise Scottish Government

Twelve new members and associate members will join the Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) from 1 December 2022, strengthening the expert panel that supports the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland in her work with Scottish Ministers.

The new members are:

• Professor Louise Horsfall (University of Edinburgh – biotechnology)
• Professor Martyn Pickersgill (University of Edinburgh – sociology of science and medicine)
• Professor Bruce Whitelaw (Director of the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh – animal biotechnology)
• Professor Melanie Simms (Dean of Research, University of Glasgow – social sciences)
• Dr Graham Kerr (Technical Director, CENSIS Innovation Centre)
• Professor Nicholas Owens (Director, Scottish Association of Marine Science)
• Dr Catherine Elliott (Director of Research and Partnerships, Cancer Research UK
• Professor Lisa Boden (University of Edinburgh – population medicine and veterinary public health)
• Professor Murray Roberts (University of Edinburgh – marine biology and ecology)
• Dr Kate Donovan (deferred start of appointment 1 December 2023) (University of Edinburgh – climate change risk and adaptation)

The new Associate Members are: 

• Dr Mariana Garcia Criado (University of Edinburgh – biodiversity conservation)
• Dr Connor Blair (University of Glasgow – cardiovascular health)

The new members will serve for three years, until 30 November 2025, the new Associate members – who are early career researchers – are appointed for an initial one year term, until 30 November 2023.

Commenting on the new appointments, SSAC Chair Professor Maggie Gill said:

“Our new members and associates bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the SSAC, putting us in a strong position to provide expert science advice across a broad range of areas, adding value to the Scottish Government’s work.”

BACKGROUND

The SSAC provides independent advice, through its Chair, to the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) for Scotland, to inform policy development and delivery across all areas of the Scottish Government’s work.

The SSAC supports the work of the CSA Scotland, Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, the Chief Scientist (Health), Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, and the Chief Scientific Adviser for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Professor Mat Williams, all of whom are also ex-officio members of the SSAC. 

Details of other members of the SSAC can be found on the SSAC website: http://www.scottishscience.org.uk/members

The next meeting of the SSAC will be on 13 December 2022.