From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has welcomed government approval to proceed with the appointment of a new Government Science Advisor.
The Government Science Advisor will be selected as part of the new science advice structures that will assist in informing responses to complex and challenging policy issues.
These include issues around climate change, food sustainability, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, and to needs identified by Ministers and government departments.
Speaking today Minister Harris said:
“It is absolutely essential Government is guided by the best evidence available when addressing key challenges such as climate change and future pandemics.
“The role of the Government Chief Science Advisor will be fundamental in ensuring government policy decisions are informed by quality science advice.”
The selection process for the Government Science Advisor will take place through the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC).
This will allow for the participation of suitable candidates who will have an internationally recognised scientific background with strong leadership and stakeholder engagement experience.
The position will be advertised by the Public Appointment Service shortly. The individual will be based in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and will be appointed to an Assistant Secretary position.
Minister Harris added:
“I am looking forward to this process of selection beginning and for the appointment of the right person to identify and provide science advice on complex challenges and focus on long-term development to enhance science advice to all government departments.”
The Government Science Advisor will support the need to integrate scientific research into the general policy making process and provide cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary science advice to the government.
The Government Science Advisor will chair the new National Science Advice Forum, comprising of up to twelve experts drawn from those with internationally recognised scientific expertise in a range of key disciplines.
The Government Science Advisor will chair the National Science Advice Forum and provide cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary science advice to the government.
The new science advice structures will assist in informing responses to complex and challenging policy issues like climate change, food sustainability, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies and to needs identified by ministers and government departments.
The National Science Advice Forum will have an annual work programme which will be reported to Government. Delivery of the work programme will be evaluated after an initial three-year period.
A public consultation was held in September 2022, and the outcomes from this, along with international models, have been considered formally as the new science advice structures. The new science advice structures will be integrated in the general public policy making process and complement existing government actions.
These new science advice structures will bring Ireland in line with countries in Europe and beyond who have also tailored advisory structures to meet their needs and will maximise Ireland’s participation in international science advice organisations.