In a move to posture the UK as a leading force in science and technology, the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) has appointed a number of experts to its leadership team.

Leading the charge as the lead non-executive Director is Shonnel Malani, who will provide strategic guidance to the department. Continuing their pivotal roles from the Start-up Board to the new DSIT Departmental Board are Melissa Di Donato, Jason Chin, and Saul Klein. 

“I am pleased to rejoin the department as DSIT’s lead non-executive director. In doing so, I welcome back Melissa Di Donato, Saul Klein and Jason Chin who have already provided incredible support and expertise to DSIT. We will be joined by experts Dominic Field and Liz Cohen, to form the new Departmental Board,” said Malani.

“I look forward to working closely with them and our incoming ARAC NEDs as we offer advice and assurance to the department as it delivers its priorities and positions the UK as a science and tech superpower.”

Joining them are Dominic Field and Liz Cohen, both of whom bring extensive expertise to the table. Cohen will also chair DSIT’s new Audit, Risk, and Assurance Committee (ARAC).

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In a boost to the department’s scientific capabilities, Professor Christopher Johnson is set to join DSIT as its first Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), with over two decades of experience in engineering and physical sciences under his belt. 

“I’m committed to working across government to champion a ‘whole of society’ approach to innovation, ensuring we extend the fruits of scientific advancement to all corners of society,” said Johnson.

“Whilst it may be challenging, our mission to embrace disruptive technologies, leverage research to drive economic growth and grasp the opportunities for international collaboration will create opportunities to build a safe, secure, and thriving future for all.”

The appointments come at a crucial juncture for DSIT, with the department poised to build upon its first year. According to their own numbers, DSIT boosted investment in R&D to £19.4 billion, reaching £20 billion this year.