A world-renowned Dundee University expert on diabetes is to become chief scientist for Scotland.
Professor Andrew Morris, co-director of the medical research institute at the university, will take up his post next month.
He will be seconded to the Scottish Government for two days a week, advising ministers and officials on key science issues.
University vice-principal John Connell said: ”This is a very important position that reflects the high regard in which Andrew is held in Scotland and I am sure that he will carry out his duties with distinction. It also brings great credit to Dundee.”
Professor Morris, who succeeds Professor Sir John Savill, is the second Dundee University academic to rise to a senior advisory role in government. He follows Professor Sir William Stewart, who was professor of biological sciences and served as chief scientific adviser to the UK Government from 1990 to 1995.
Professor Morris will join the Scottish Government’s strategic board its ”top table” of civil servants and will be responsible for enhancing Scotland’s reputation in science.
The Chief Scientist Office is part of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates and promotes high-quality research aimed at improving the services offered by NHS Scotland and securing lasting improvements to public health.
The CSO supports research initiated by the research community in Scotland and advises the Scottish Government on how research contributes to improvements in health and healthcare.
Professor Morris is an expert in diabetes, having led many clinical studies and published over 230 research papers. He was appointed convener of the Scottish academic health science collaboration in 2010.
He is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and was one of the founders of health informatics company Aridhia, which now employs 50 people in Edinburgh and Dundee.
He said: ”I am delighted and honoured to be joining the Chief Scientist Office at the Scottish Government and look forward to working with colleagues to take forward the important agenda of health research.
”There are great opportunities to translate our outstanding NHS and university research capabilities into improved patient care and economic growth across Scotland.”