About us
We advise the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, to ensure that government policies and decisions are informed by the best scientific evidence and strategic long-term thinking.
Responsibilities
We are responsible for:
- giving scientific advice to the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, through a programme of projects that reflect the priorities of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser
- ensuring and improving the quality and use of scientific evidence and advice in government (through advice and projects and by creating and supporting connections between officials and the scientific community)
- providing the best scientific advice in the case of emergencies, through the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE)
- helping the independent Council for Science and Technology provide high level advice to the Prime Minister
- supporting strategic long term thinking in government through Futures and Foresight
- developing the Government Science and Engineering (GSE) profession
Priorities
Our priorities are:
- science advice mechanisms that are efficient, effective, speak truth to power and are embedded irreversibly in government systems
- visible impact through both proactive and demand led science advice that is relevant, excellent, and delivered fit for purpose
Who we are
We are an organisation of approximately 150 permanent staff located primarily in London with a presence in other parts of the UK.