Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee announces new chair

Richard Guest, Professor of Biometric Technologies at the University of Southampton, has been appointed as the new chair of the Science and Technology Ethics Advisory Committee (STEAC), beginning on 26 September 2025 for a period of 3 years.

Professor Guest has been a member of STEAC – formerly the Biometrics, Forensics Ethics Advisory Group (BFEG) – for 6 years and will continue to bring his internationally recognised and sustained research record over the past 25 years across biometric and forensic systems to his new role chairing the committee.

The Home Office's Deputy Chief Scientific Advisor praised the significant contribution Professor Guest has provided so far to the Home Office and welcomed the continuity afforded from having a long-standing member take the role of chair. STEAC continues to provide independent science advice on the ethical questions resulting from the application of science and technology in the Home Office.