Brexit-proofing Scottish science on agenda for new government adviser

Helping the Scottish science sector cope with Brexit is one of the tasks facing the government’s new chief scientific adviser for environment, natural resources and agriculture, ministers have said.

Edinburgh University Professor Andrew Millar has been appointed to the role and will provide independent scientific advice to the government on the rural economy, agriculture and environmental policy.

The university’s director of research for biological sciences takes up the post on October 8 and succeeds Professor Louise Heathwaite, who stood down in 2017.

Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “If the Scottish Government is to effectively address current and future challenges facing our environment, then sound scientific advice is integral.

“I’m looking forward to working with Professor Millar to tackle some of Scotland’s most crucial environmental, agricultural and rural issues, and the positive impact scientific developments could have on these.”

Prof Millar said: “Scottish science has an enviable track record and our natural resources are among the country’s most critical assets.

“I am happy to contribute to Scottish policy at a time when change and opportunity in this area are coming from social and political development, as well as from new scientific understanding, technologies and the changing environment.”