Professor Colin Blakemore appointed as GACS first Chair
Wednesday 7 November 2007
Professor Colin Blakemore will be taking up the position of Chair for the General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS), the Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced today.
Described by the Royal Society as one of Britain's most influential communicators of science, Colin Blakemore is a renowned British neuroscientist and was Chief Executive of the UK Medical Research Council from 2003 to September 2007.
The overall purpose of the new GACS committee is to offer independent challenge and advice on how the FSA collects and uses scientific evidence. The Committee's agenda embraces horizon scanning, science governance, developing good practice and informing science priorities.
Dr Andrew Wadge Chief Scientist at the FSA said: 'Professor Blakemore is one of the most influential and respected scientists in Britain and we’re delighted that he has accepted this position. The Food Standards Agency relies on the robust use of good scientific evidence in its work to promote food safety, healthy eating and consumer choice. His role will be vital in helping to shape the Agency’s strategy on science in policy making and public protection.'
Professor Colin Blakemore said: 'Openness and a rigorous approach to science have been hallmarks of the FSA since it was established, but today it’s increasingly important to communicate sound science in a way that everyone can understand, and to find constructive ways of engaging with the public on areas of concern. I think this will be one of the key challenges facing me and my colleagues on GACS as we try to strengthen further the FSA’s firm foundations in science.'
Professor Blakemore takes up the role with immediate effect. His appointment runs for two years, to the end of December 2009.
Notes to editors
Colin Blakemore, FMedSci, FIBiol, Hon FRCP, FRS, was Chief Executive of the MRC from 2003 to September 2007. He studied Medical Sciences at Cambridge and completed a PhD at the University of California in Berkeley. After 11 years in the Department of Physiology at Cambridge University, he became Waynflete Professor of Physiology at Oxford University in 1979. From October 2007 he holds Professorships of Neuroscience at Oxford and Warwick.
A full biography of Colin Blakemore is available on request. Please call 020 7276 8888.
Terms of reference for GACS are available on request. Please call 020 7276 8888.
Professor Blakemore was appointed following an open recruitment exercise conducted in line with guidelines on public appointments.
The GACS will be established formally in December 2007, when the appointment of a number of expert and lay members will be announced.
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