Sir Robert May, outgoing UK Chief Scientist, spoke to Robert Walgate about treading the fine line between government and the science community, and the changing face of science in the UK and Europe.
As UK Chief Scientist and Head of the Office of Science and Technology [OST] aren't you in an ambiguous position? Both regulator and champion of science and technology?
"I don't think the OST is either. We are a source of independent advice. Which is why the head of the Office is an outsider. I see my own responsibility as walking a quite interesting line. I'm a civil servant whose whole purpose is to challenge. Really looking at things, right across all of science and engineering, medicine and social science; and to make sure that it is being handled well, that decisions are being made openly and taking account of all viewpoints. And to intervene in the rare ...
