Professor Paul Monks to join Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as new Chief Scientific Advisor

The University of Leicester’s Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science Paul Monks is to join the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) as its new Chief Scientific Advisor.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Science and Engineering succeeds Professor John Loughhead, who is currently the Department’s Chief Scientific Advisor.

Professor Monks will take up the position from 1st October and will continue at the university as Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science. He will step down from his role on the executive board.

Paul Monks’ research covers the broad areas of air quality, atmospheric composition and climate change. He was chair of the Defra Air Quality Expert Group for ten years and deputy-chair of the Defra Science Advisory Council alongside roles in the UKRI-NERC advice structures. As founding director of G-STEP, a university innovation initiative, he developed a business-facing organisation with the aim of using space data to enhance the competitiveness of industry, particularly focused on SMEs.

Sir Patrick Vallance, Government Chief Scientific Advisor, says:

“Professor Monks is a talented scientist and a leader in his field. The expertise and leadership he will bring to BEIS and the wider scientific advisor network at this important time will be invaluable.”

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, University of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor, said:

“My warmest congratulations to Paul on this incredibly well deserved and prestigious appointment. I am delighted that the hard work one of our leading academic lights at the University of Leicester has been recognised in this way.

“Paul’s many years of research and scientific endeavour at Leicester and his leadership role as pro vice chancellor and head of college of science and engineering makes him an ideal choice for this role. He has played an instrumental part in initiating and delivering the Space Park Leicester project, placing himself at the very forefront of the interface between business and education. I wish him the very best in his new role.”