Vallance to stand down as chief scientific adviser

THE Government’s chief scientific adviser is to step down to take up a role at the Natural History Museum.

Sir Patrick Vallance, who leaves the role at the end of his five-year term next April, described his tenure as “challenging and immensely rewarding”.

The Prime Minister said that it was “impossible to fully convey” his impact.

The 62-year-old former academic and a consultant physician, who previously headed the research and development arm of the pharmaceutical multinational Glaxosmithkline, will chair the museum’s board of trustees.

Sir Patrick replaced Sir Chris Whitty as chief scientific adviser in 2018. Two years later both men became household names as leading experts and communicators in the fight against Covid-19.

Boris Johnson said: “It is impossible to fully convey the impact that Sir Patrick has had as chief scientific adviser... I am immensely grateful for his advice and expertise.”

Sir Patrick said he remains “fully committed” to the role, which also entails advising ministers on science and technology policy, until his replacement takes over. He is expected to feature prominently in the official inquiry into the response to Covid.