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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Scotland still lacks key science adviser | Scotland still lacks key science adviser |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The Scottish government is still without a chief scientific adviser, a year after the previous post-holder left the job. | The Scottish government is still without a chief scientific adviser, a year after the previous post-holder left the job. |
| It has been empty since Glasgow University academic Prof Muffy Calder stepped down in December 2014. | It has been empty since Glasgow University academic Prof Muffy Calder stepped down in December 2014. |
| The position involves giving independent scientific advice to ministers on a range of issues. | The position involves giving independent scientific advice to ministers on a range of issues. |
| Ministers said they had already committed to advertising the job by the end of the year. | Ministers said they had already committed to advertising the job by the end of the year. |
| The post of chief scientific adviser (CSA) was previously advertised between March and April this year, but the government was unable to appoint a successor. | The post of chief scientific adviser (CSA) was previously advertised between March and April this year, but the government was unable to appoint a successor. |
| The issue had also delayed the replacement of several members of the Scottish Science Advisory Council - including the chairman - whose terms of office ended earlier this year. | |
| Their recruitment had been put on hold pending appointment of a new CSA, however, the government subsequently decided to move ahead with the process, and interviews are being held this week. | |
| Science advice | Science advice |
| In the last 12 months, the Scottish government has announced a moratorium on fracking and underground coal gasification, a ban on growing GM crops and has played a key role in the recent international climate change talks in Paris. | |
| All are issues in which a chief scientific adviser may have provided advice to ministers. | |
| Earlier this year, Prof Calder said the government's GM crops decision could have "apocalyptic" consequences and threaten the country's food and drinks industry. | |
| Her views have been echoed by another former chief scientific adviser for Scotland, Dame Anne Glover. | |
| The Scottish government said in September that it would advertise for a new chief scientific adviser, after asking for help from university principals and others to fill the post. | The Scottish government said in September that it would advertise for a new chief scientific adviser, after asking for help from university principals and others to fill the post. |
| A government spokesperson said: "In the meantime, the remaining chief scientists, covering health and rural affairs, food and the environment, continue to carry out key tasks that would usually be done by the CSA Scotland. | A government spokesperson said: "In the meantime, the remaining chief scientists, covering health and rural affairs, food and the environment, continue to carry out key tasks that would usually be done by the CSA Scotland. |
| "The Scottish government remains committed to drawing on the very best science advice and expertise." | "The Scottish government remains committed to drawing on the very best science advice and expertise." |
| Ministers said they hoped to announce the new members and chairman of the Scottish Science Advisory Council "early in 2016". | |