Scotland’s first Chief Advisor on Science

Professor Wilson Sibbett, Wardlaw Professor of Physics at the University of St Andrews, has been appointed Scotland’s first ever Chief Advisor on Science.

Welcoming the news, Professor Sibbett said:

“I am delighted to have been invited to chair the new Scottish Science Advisory Committee. It is an exciting and challenging opportunity to establish an integrated and strategic perspective for Science in Scotland. ”

In his role, Professor Sibbett will chair the Scottish Science Advisory Committee, a panel of experts set up to provide independent advice on strategic scientific issues, and to advise Scottish Executive ministers on issues of scientific importance.

The appointment was made yesterday (Sunday 16th December, 2001) by the Council of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. RSE President, Sir William Stewart, said:

“I am very pleased to announce that Professor Wilson Sibbett has taken on this key role for science and technology in Scotland. Science and technology will play a hugely important part in Scotland in the 21st century. Professor Sibbett, a world expert in his field, with extensive knowledge of UK science policy, will bring his own pioneering, expert viewpoint to bear in leading the Science Advisory Committee for Scotland.

“He has extensive experience in working with Government and industry, and I am confident that he will be highly successful in taking forward the positive framework which the Minister has set out. A scientist of international standing, Wilson Sibbett will, I am sure, seek to promote Scotland’s scientific interests, nationally, and at UK, European and global level.”

Professor Sibbett is widely recognised as a world authority in laser physics and optoelectronics. His work at St Andrews has wide-ranging applications in the field on ultrafast science and technology, including optical communications and photobiology.

The announcement brings the year to a successful end for Professor Sibbett, who was awarded the CBE for ‘Contibutions to Science’ in this year’s New Year Honours.

PICTURE CAPTION: Professor Wilson Sibbett is appointed as Scotland’s chief advisor on science at the Scottish Parliament.

Left – right: Ms Wendy Alexander, MSP, Minister for Science; Professor Wilson Sibbet, CBE, FRS, FRSE, Chairman of The Scottish Science Advisory Committee & Wardlaw Professor of Physics, University of St Andrews; Sir William Stewart, FRS, FRSE, President of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Photo: Gary Doak, Courtesy of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050103, or email [email protected] Ref: Wilson Sibbett, Scotlands Chief Advisor pr 171201 View the latest University news at http://www.st- andrews.ac.uk/extrel/press.htm