Our social science lead, Prof Nick Pidgeon, joins a group of prestigious scientific leaders appointed to the DESNZ Science and Technology Advisory Council, which met for the first time on Wednesday 9 July.
The Council will provide robust, scientific, evidence-based information to support key decisions as we overhaul our energy system to reach clean power by 2030.
It will also offer independent viewpoints and cutting-edge research on topics from climate science, energy networks and engineering, to the latest technologies and artificial intelligence.
Their expert advice will allow ministers to access the most up-to-date and well-informed scientific evidence, improving decision-making and effectiveness of policy implementation.
Prof Nick Pidgeon says:
“I'm absolutely delighted to be appointed to this science advisory role. It signals a welcome recognition within government that the social sciences have an important part to play in the drive to meet net zero, and in particular in the development of both clean power and land-based carbon removals in a robust and socially sensitive way. It is also a testament to the sustained support that the Leverhulme Trust have given to my own research and that of the LC3M Centre over many years”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
“Evidence-based decision-making is fundamental to the drive for clean power and tackling the climate crisis, with informed policymaking the key to securing a better, fairer world for current and future generations.
“To give our mission the very best chance of success, the Science and Technology Advisory Council will draw on the knowledge and wisdom of some of the finest scientific minds of the nation – because clean power offers a huge prize of energy security, lower bills and good jobs.”
DESNZ Director General Chief Scientific Adviser Paul Monks said:
“Robust scientific research and evidence is vital to inform decisions, as we break new ground with the mission for clean power by 2030 and accelerate to net zero.
“I look forward to working with some of the country’s most esteemed climate and energy scientists, engineers and mathematicians, to provide comprehensive and considered advice to government on some of the greatest challenges of our time.”
The team of 16 highly esteemed academic and industry experts will be co-chaired by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Director General Chief Scientific Adviser, Paul Monks, and Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at Warwick Manufacturing Group.
The group will be commissioned for advice as required and will meet quarterly. They will assist the Energy Secretary and the wider department.
Find out more, including quotes from the energy secretary Ed Miliband and DESNZ Director General Chief Scientific Adviser Paul Monks, as well as a list of council members, on the gov.uk website here.