This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Chief Scientific Adviser
07/11/2005
Deputy Environment and Rural Development Minister Rhona Brankin, today announced the appointment of Professor Maggie Gill to the new post of Chief Scientific Adviser.
Professor Gill is currently the Director of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute in Aberdeen. She was recruited following an open competition and will take up appointment in early 2006. She will be a member of the Senior Civil Service.
Ms Brankin said:
"The Environment and Rural Affairs Department is a major investor in science in Scotland spending £100m per year either directly or through our Non Departmental Public Bodies.
"It is vital that we maximise the use of our major investment in scientific research across all areas in the development of environmental, agricultural and rural policy. The challenges facing our scientists have never been greater.
"We must underpin their work with a soundly based strategy and ensure that their contribution to the welfare of the people of Scotland is as high as it can be.
"Professor Gill's wide experience in research and research management in Scotland and elsewhere will ensure that she can make a major contribution to meeting these key objectives."
The Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) works to improve the environment and helps rural communities benefit from services and enterprise, especially agriculture and fisheries.
SEERAD funds programmes of research at four independent research institutes: the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, the Scottish Crop Research Institute, the Moredun Institute, the Rowett Institute and the Scottish Agricultural College. It also funds the Executive agencies: the Fisheries Research Services and The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency.