Professor Peter Halligan appointed new Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales

First Minister Carwyn Jones has appointed the Chief Executive of the Learned Society of Wales to advise on scientific issues across departments.

Professor Halligan will provide independent scientific advice to the First Minister and lead the development of the Welsh Government’s science policy. He will also work to promote the study of science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine to help build a strong science base in Wales.

Professor Halligan will take up his new post in March. He has been with the Society for the last three years and has led in promoting the quality of research in Wales and communicating widely the success of our scholarship.

Before becoming Chief Executive of LSW, Professor Halligan has played a key role in a number of innovative developments including establishing the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), the Wales Research and Diagnostic Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Centre (PETIC), the Wales Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience (WICN), the Haydn Ellis Distinguished Lecture Series and Cardiff University Research Institutes.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:
“Professor Peter Halligan is an excellent scientist and world renowned psychologist and neuroscientist, whose research is internationally renowned and respected. His appointment is a huge boost to Wales’ growing science and research sector.”

The vacancy for the role of Chief Executive will be advertised in due course.