Ministerial appointments at a crucial time for science
Prime Minister Theresa May's ministerial decisions are reaching their conclusion, with more junior positions now all but complete.
Minister for Universities and Science, Jo Johnson, is one of the few to have retained their previous position, albeit now straddling two ministries. Our chief executive, Dr Robert Parker, has given his reaction to these crucial appointments and significant changes in departments.
He said: "We welcome Greg Clark back to the scientific world in his new position as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
"His appointment comes at a vital time – science and innovation will have to play a key role in delivering sustainable prosperity for the UK, as well as in the negotiations with the European Union.
"We face a challenge in ensuring we can keep funding, mobility of scientists and regulation in place, that maintains our world-leading knowledge economy.
"That means maintaining research and innovation funding at the present level, which currently includes funding from the EU and allowing easy movement of skilled scientists and of students to and from the UK. It also relies on ensuring we produce clear and high-quality regulation to support UK citizens, businesses and researchers.
"It is also encouraging to note that Jo Johnson will retain ministerial responsibility for delivering the Higher Education Research Bill, working with the expanded DfE and the Higher Education sector, and we look forward to working with him and Greg Clark in meeting these challenges."