Published 1 November 2024
Last updated 4 November 2024 — See all updates
2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the appointment of the first
Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA), Sir Solly
Zuckerman.
After several roles in government, in 1960, Sir Solly became
Chief Scientific Adviser to the Secretary of State for Defence,
and in October 1964, Chief Scientific Adviser to the
government.
Since Solly Zuckerman, there have been 13 GCSAs, with
expertise ranging from medicine to ecology, biology to
metallurgy. The role has evolved considerably over the years,
especially in the 1980s, when it became a full-time position. The
demand for science advice has grown substantially over the
decades, meaning that the GCSA is serving ever
more in response mode to ministers and their departments. The
GCSA has
been at the centre of some of the biggest events of our time,
from climate change to nuclear incidents, to disease outbreaks
and pandemics.
To mark the anniversary, we have produced an anniversary booklet
with further information about the role and those that have
filled it over the last 60 years.
We asked GCSA's past and
present to reflect on their time in the role.
Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Dame 2023 - present
Today, as the 14th GCSA, I am proud to
continue the legacy of my predecessors. And our mission at
GO-Science remains steadfast: to put excellent science advice at
the heart of decision making
Sir Robin Nicholson, GCSA
1982-1985
The time of my service as GCSA was marked by
an upsurge of interest in the use of science and technology to
understand global events such as climate change, energy
conservation, deforestation, agricultural development, economic
change. I regard my greatest achievement as the application of
top-quality science and technology to the understanding of
worldwide phenomena which shape the world and determine its
economic and social future.
Sir , GCSA
2000-2007
Over my period as Government Chief Scientific Adviser, I made
many trips to different countries, particularly in Africa, for
which I was promoting aid to help develop Science and Innovation
there. I also visited the eight countries of the G8 under the Science Adviser/Science
Ministers G8Carnegie
group annual meetings, one of which I chaired, in 2007. I used
these meetings to push for action on climate change and
infectious disease control in particular.
Sir , GCSA
2008-2013
The main delight of the role was twofold. The first, the
opportunity to push for evidence as the key to sound policy. The
second, to work with my colleagues across government and beyond
to address key challenges and their potential solutions. My
achievements are similarly twofold, persuading government to
appoint Chief Scientific Advisers in all the main departments of
state and to set up the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies
(SAGE).
Sir Mark Walport, GCSA
2013-2017
What I enjoyed most about being GCSA was the ability
to act as an interface between scientists, engineers and
technologists and the government to provide advice on a wide
range of issues. My most successful achievements were in raising
attention to a series of issues of national resilience, one
example being on the availability of position, navigation and
timing signals, on which much of our critical national
infrastructure depends.
Sir , Chief Medical Officer,
GCSA
2012-2018 (interim)
The Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) is fortunate
to cover every aspect of science, social science and engineering
used to benefit the public. This is most obvious during
emergencies where science is often central – for example, as
interim GCSA, I had the
Salisbury Novichok poisonings – but excellent science underpins
much of the best day-to-day government policy and operational
work. The GCSA also leads and
speaks for scientists in government, and is a bridge between
external scientists and government.
of Balham, Minister of State
for Science, GCSA
2018-2023
Solly Zuckerman was the first GCSA and the role
has grown and adapted ever since. It has also been taken up by
other governments around the world. Having a senior external
scientist to provide advice directly to the Prime Minister and
Cabinet is essential for modern government.
