I’ve always been fascinated by how science can help us solve some of the problems we face as a species. Problems such as how to keep children safe during a pandemic, or what bearing a child’s social and geographical upbringing has on their long-term health.

It’s why I studied medicine at university and it’s why I then went on to specialise in young people’s healthcare.

In January 2023, I was honoured to become the first externally appointed chief scientific adviser for the Department for Education. My job is to look at the latest and best scientific and medical evidence to help my colleagues shape policy for the benefit of every person we serve.

The DfE is the “department for opportunity”, so what is my role in helping to make that a reality?

Better outcomes for children

Science has the ability to answer questions about how we can get better educational outcomes for children.

It can support mental health and create healthier learning environments. But it’s not just about tackling the challenges of today. It’s about making sure that we don’t have to keep fighting the same battles in the future.  

This is why I am so excited to have formed a Science Advisory Council for the DfE, aimed at deepening the links with scientific experts in our universities and industry. This is going to put science and evidence at the heart of what the department does - using this knowledge as a tool to help break down the barriers to opportunity. 

Data and informed decisions

Science Advisory Councils are used across the government to ensure policymakers and operational teams can access the latest advice. This includes cutting-edge scientific evidence and data, and analytical approaches, as well as the expertise needed for robust, informed decision making. 

Rest assured, I won’t be trying to do this all by myself. I can call on 12 incredible colleagues who make up the council. Together they have an unrivalled breadth of expertise across a range of fields, led by our chair Professor Dame Athene Donald.

Dame Athene is an internationally recognised leader in physics and has worked extensively to improve the place of science in public awareness while championing women in science. She will be supported by her deputy, Professor Mark Mon-Williams, a cognitive psychologist and professor of psychology at the Bradford Institute of Health Research.

Planning for the future

This group will provide scientific advice on strategic issues and respond to calls for advice on specific issues as they crop up. And because they’re at the forefront of scientific research, they will also help us plan for the future.

I am very much looking forward to working with such distinguished and dedicated experts to deliver better life chances for all young people.

Science alone can’t address the challenges the department faces - but we must keep pace with technological and scientific advancements if we are to deliver the highest standards for the people we serve. We can’t wait to get started.

Professor Russell Viner is a paediatrician, professor of adolescent health at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and chief scientific adviser at the Department for Education