New chair for Science Advisory Council

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment has announced the appointment of Professor Chris Gaskell as new Chair of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affair’s (Defra) Science Advisory Council (SAC).

The independent SAC was set up in 2004 to give Defra expert advice on science policy and strategy. Hilary Benn said: "Chris has a wealth of experience and knowledge. I am confident that he will ensure the Science Advisory Council continues to provide excellent advice as well as challenging us to improve the way we use science to inform and direct what we do."

Bob Watson, Defra's Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), said: "I am delighted that someone with the intellectual breadth and personal attributes of Chris has agreed to serve as chair of the Council. As Vice Chair and more recently as Acting Chair, he has a proven track record as an effective chair on several important sub-committees and brings a breadth of knowledge and excellent Chairmanship abilities with him."

Chris Gaskell said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to further contribute to SAC; the Council has an important role in advising and challenging Defra through the Chief Scientific Adviser, and I look forward to building on my previous involvement and leading through the many new challenges that will undoubtedly emerge."