Scotland's chief scientist to raise EU post to advise
- Published
Prof Anne Glover has been appointed as EU science adviser
Scotland's chief scientific adviser has been appointed to a similar post in the European Commission (EC).
Prof Anne Glover will provide scientific advice to European policy makers.
Her newly-created job was announced two years ago by Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, and he personally interviewed candidates.
Prof Glover will also act as a science ambassador for the European Union (EU).
Mr Barroso said he was delighted to have appointed Prof Glover to the post, which a Commission statement said is to "provide high-level and independent scientific advice throughout all stages of policy development and delivery."
The EC president said: "I believe her outstanding background and calibre will bring invaluable expertise to the Commission.
"She has a strong track record in leading the Scottish Science Advisory Committee which made her the stand-out candidate for this post."
Ambassador
Prof Glover, who was appointed chief scientific adviser for Scotland in August 2006 will provide advice directly to the president, raising the profile of science and technology in the formulation of policy.
Most of her academic career was spent at Aberdeen University, where she holds a personal chair of molecular and cell biology.
She is also an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a member of the Natural Environment Research Council, and a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology.
In March, 2008 she was recognised as a "Woman of Outstanding Achievement" by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology and was made a CBE for services to environmental science in the Queen's New Year Honours list in 2009.
The brief for her Commission role as chief scientific adviser says she will provide analysis and opinion on major policy proposals being submitted to the Commission, "touching upon issues of science, technology and innovation."
She will also be an EU science ambassador, required to "communicate the scientific values on which specific Commission proposals are based in order to enhance public confidence in science and technology, and in general to promote European culture of science and technology widely within Europe and abroad."
Prof Glover said: "Science, engineering and technology are the key to a successful future for Europe and I'm delighted to have this opportunity to champion and work in partnership with world-leading institutions across Europe to help deliver this."
First Minister Alex Salmond said Scotland continued to make an immense impact on modern society through scientific innovation and said Prof Glover played a key role in developing Scotland's world-leading position on science.
"The fact she has been offered such an influential role speaks volumes for her and Scottish science's achievements in recent years in terms of delivering innovative solutions to problems that affect our world," he said.
"Scotland remains one of the most respected places in the world for scientific research that has a global impact and attracts international investment, and Anne's drive, determination and enthusiasm has greatly strengthened this proud reputation.
"Her new role will further enhance Scotland's position on the scientific world stage.
"Science, engineering and technology are the key to a successful future for Europe and I'm delighted to have this opportunity to champion and work in partnership with world-leading institutions across Europe to help deliver this."