Professor John Harries, Chair in Earth Observation in Imperial College London's physics department, has been appointed as the first ever Chief Scientific Advisor to the Welsh Assembly.

From May 1st, Harries will provide scientific advice to Wales' assembly and first minister, promote science and technology and continue to spend around 20% of his time continuing his academic work at Imperial.

Harries, Chair of the Earth Observation team at the Grantham Institute for Climate change, is a keen atmospheric physicist and lead the team that was first to produce direct observational evidence of an increase in the Earth's greenhouse effect between 1970 and 1997.

Speaking of the new appointment, Harries said, "Wales is a small country, but is capable of the intelligent application of new science and engineering as a basis for greater commercial success in industry".

Imperial College Rector, Sir Keith O'Nions, said: "The role of chief scientific adviser demands a broad level of knowledge and also a great deal of common sense, and I'm glad to say that in choosing John the Welsh Assembly Government has gained an adviser with ample amounts of both. I know he will do an excellent job of providing the kind of sound, evidence-based advice that is key to good policy making".

However, Harries is not in a club of his own. Imperial College also has another member of staff in a Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor John Beddington, who became a UK Government Advisor back in 2007.

Speaking of the appointment of a second advisor, Sir Keith continued: "To have two scientific advisers on the staff at the same time must be highly unusual, and says something about the environment at Imperial. This has always been an outward looking place keen to apply the knowledge it generates for the good of society. It's great to see John upholding that spirit, and I congratulate him wholeheartedly on being appointed to this exciting new role".

Carwyn Jones, First Minister for Wales, said that the appointment of Harries "will prove invaluable as we continue to encourage the knowledge, skills and enterprise to strengthen businesses in Wales ahead of the global economic upturn".

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