Newly appointed science minister Chris McDonald brings a markedly different background to the role compared with his predecessor, but his “unusual” experience could make him a stronger advocate for science, research policy experts have said.
McDonald, the MP for Stockton North, was this week finally confirmed as science minister in the newly formed Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST).
He replaces Patrick Vallance, who left his role as minister of state for science, innovation, research and nuclear during a reshuffle by new prime minister Andy Burnham.
With BIST still taking shape after absorbing the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), there have been concerns over how science policy will sit alongside business priorities.
John Womersley, a special adviser within the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, said McDonald was “well qualified for the job, but in a different way than Vallance”.
