Professor Sarah Sharples appointed to national science advisory council

22 Apr 2026

The appointment is to the Council for Science and Technology (CST) which advises the Prime Minister and Cabinet on strategic science and technology issues

Sarah, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, brings extensive experience at the intersection of research and public policy. She previously served as Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Transport from July 2021 to October 2025, supporting the use of evidence and science advice in government decision‑making.

A global expert in human factors engineering, Sarah has led major national programmes across transport, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. She has also played a significant role in shaping the UK research and innovation landscape through her work with research councils and government advisory groups. She is a long‑standing champion of equity, diversity and inclusion an enthusiastic advocate for systems approaches to science and engineering challenges.

Her appointment recognising her national leadership and contribution to science, engineering and public policy and the University’s continuing contribution to these areas through informing policy through world‑leading research and expertise.

Professor Dame Angela McLean, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Co-Chair of CST, said: “I am delighted that Professor Sarah Sharples has been appointed to the Council for Science and Technology. Alongside her social and behavioural science expertise, she has extensive knowledge of the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem and significant experience of using science advice to inform government policy. Sarah will bring great insight to CST, and I look forward to working with her.”