New Appointments to the Science and Technology Council

The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Dame Carol Propper and Professor Keith Ridgway to the Council for Science and Technology (CST). This Council provides strategic advice to the Prime Minister concerning science and technology policy matters that span the responsibilities of various government departments.

Members are prominent individuals from the science, technology, and business sectors, representing academia, leading high-tech companies, and investors in innovative ventures. Presidents of national academies and a senior representative from UKRI serve as ex-officio members.

Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Co-Chair of CST, stated:

Both Professor Carol Propper and Professor Keith Ridgway bring significant expertise to the Council for Science and Technology. Their understanding of the research and innovation landscape will be crucial in guiding the Council’s efforts to advise the government on its overarching priorities for science and technology, while also exploring how emerging technologies can help achieve national objectives.

Lord Browne of Madingley, Co-Chair of CST, remarked:

The Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology plays an integral role in providing expert advice to the government, supported by a diverse group of individuals with exceptional capabilities. I am delighted to welcome two new members today: Professor Carol Propper and Professor Keith Ridgway. Professor Propper is an internationally renowned economist making significant contributions to social sciences and the relationship between human behavior and science and technology. Professor Ridgway brings extensive experience from the manufacturing industry and has dedicated many years to bridging the gap between industry and academia. I anticipate their valuable input to our initiatives.

More information

Professor Carol Propper serves as Professor of Economics at Imperial College Business School within the Department of Economics and Public Policy. Her research primarily examines financial and non-financial incentives concerning healthcare quality and productivity. Carol has held several notable positions, including President of the Royal Economic Society and Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Research Grants Board from 2005 to 2009, and a member of the ESRC Council during the same period. Additionally, she contributed to President Macron of France’s expert commission addressing significant economic challenges.

Professor Keith Ridgway is the Senior Executive of Manufacturing at the University of Strathclyde. He co-founded the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield and established the Nuclear AMRC as well as the AMRC Training Centre. In 2019, he assumed the role of Executive Chair of the Advanced Forging Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde and founded the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland. In September 2020, he was appointed Chair of Industry Wales, a body affiliated with the Welsh government.

The Council’s current work programme encompasses developing recommendations for the government on:

• actions to facilitate the translation of engineering biology research into societal benefits
• the importance of international science and technology partnerships in achieving national goals
• science and technology within the creative industries
• UK space and satellite capabilities

For further information about CST and its members, please visit our website.