The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee

Government Office for Science

The Government Office for Science, headed by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) has been created within the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), reporting to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The GCSA and Head of the Government Office for Science is responsible for:

• Providing scientific advice personally to the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet (in consultation with Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers when appropriate);
• Advising the Prime Minister and Cabinet on aspects of Government policy on science and technology;
• Ensuring and improving the quality and use of scientific evidence and advice in Government;
• Leading the science and engineering profession within the Civil Service.

The Government Office for Science manages the functions and resources of the Trans-departmental Science and Technology Group (TDSTG) which has two main objectives:

• to plan, develop and manage UK involvement in the European Union's science and technology activities, and
• to develop and strengthen such links with major scientific partners across the world, on a bilateral and multilateral basis, as hold the most promise of a scientific, commercial or political return to the UK.

The Government Office of Science also supports and helps co-ordinate the Global Science and Innovation Forum, which brings together the Director General of Science and Innovation, FCO, DTI, BTI, the Royal Society, British Council and the Research Councils UK. The GSIF meets 3-4 times and is a vehicle for cross-government exchanges of information and ideas to improve co-ordination of the UK effort in international science and innovation collaboration. It provides strategic guidance and systematically scans the horizon for new and emerging issues.

Contact Details

Website:	www.dius.gov.uk
Address:	1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H OET
Telephone:	020 7215 5555
Email:	info@dius.gsi.gov.uk