What's happened
Dame Angela McLean appointed as UK's chief scientific adviser, becoming the first woman to hold the post
Why it matters
The appointment of Dame Angela McLean as the UK's first female chief scientific adviser is significant as it marks a step towards gender equality in the field of science and technology. Her expertise in infectious diseases will be particularly relevant in the current climate, as the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. As chief scientific adviser, McLean will play a crucial role in providing independent scientific advice to the government and shaping science and technology policy.
What the papers say
All three sources report on the appointment of Dame Angela McLean as the UK's chief scientific adviser, with The Guardian and The Independent highlighting her role in advising the government during the COVID-19 pandemic. The BBC News article provides additional context on McLean's background and experience, noting that she served as Sir Patrick Vallance's deputy during the pandemic and played a critical role in drawing up advice.
How we got here
The appointment of Dame Angela McLean follows the end of Sir Patrick Vallance's five-year term as the UK's chief scientific adviser. During his tenure, Vallance played a key role in advising the government on a range of issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. McLean will take over from Vallance on 1 April and will be responsible for providing independent scientific advice to the prime minister and members of the cabinet, as well as advising on science and technology policy.
More on these topics
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Sir Patrick John Thompson Vallance FRS FMedSci FRCP is a British physician, scientist, and clinical pharmacologist who has worked in both academia and industry and, since March 2018, has been the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of the United Ki
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Dame Angela Ruth McLean DBE, FRS is professor of mathematical biology in the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford, and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Ministry of Defence.