IOP head calls on Prime Minister to appoint new Science Minister
14 July 2022
Letter from IOP Chief Executive, Tom Grinyer, to Boris Johnson urges him not to waste time in appointing new minister to help deliver commitments on investment in science.
In an open letter to the Prime Minister, published today, IOP Chief Executive Tom Grinyer has stressed the appointment of a new Science Minister should not wait for the outcome of the Tory leadership election.
He argues the aspiration to become a ‘Science Superpower’ can only be met with “a dramatic increase in public investment,” and highlights the “great untapped potential in physics-powered businesses, university departments and specialist research organisations.”
Given the importance of seizing these opportunities for the recovery of the UK economy, Mr Grinyer concludes: “Therefore, given this critical importance the IOP are concerned that there is currently no Science Minister in place.
“For this reason, I am writing on behalf of the IOP’s Council to ask you to appoint a dedicated Science Minister to provide continuity and leadership and to work with the scientific community to make sure that the Government’s vision stays on track.”