IOP responds to news of new science department

Commenting today on the establishment of a new government department to oversee science, IOP group chief executive, Tom Grinyer, said: “The new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology with a Cabinet seat is very good news for the UK and puts science and innovation exactly where they should be – right at the heart of government.

“We are entering an exciting new era powered by science, engineering and technology at a time when there are great opportunities and important choices facing the country.

“The IOP’s work shows there is great untapped potential in physics-powered businesses, university departments and specialist research organisations – just as there is in other scientific communities across the country – offering solutions to our greatest challenges and developing new sources of growth and prosperity.

“The new Secretary of State can and must use their Cabinet seat to work with the scientific community to take these opportunities and make sure that the government’s science superpower vision stays on track.

“It is vital that the new department works hand-in-hand with other departments to make sure that science doesn’t become siloed and that there is a genuinely joined-up approach to science across government.”