Professor Calum Semple OBE has been appointed the Scottish Government’s next Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA).
Professor Semple is a Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Professor of Outbreak Medicine and Child Health at the University of Liverpool.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work for the people and government of Scotland, providing evidence and scientific advice to support our policymakers. I particularly look forward to collaborating with Scotland’s vibrant communities of scientists and engineers in our schools, universities and industries, who inspire and drive the innovation essential for future economic growth. I will ensure that science and evidence remain at the heart of how we shape a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Scotland.” Professor Calum Semple
“I would like to thank my wife, friends, and colleagues at the University of Liverpool and Alder Hey who support my career and enabled this important appointment. Their encouragement and collaboration have been vital to my journey.”
Professor Semple has held key advisory roles during public health emergencies, serving as a UK Government adviser during the 2009 Swine Flu pandemic, on the World Health Organisation Scientific Advisory Committee during the Ebola Emergency and as a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies during the Covid pandemic.
The role of CSA includes:
- providing Scottish Government Ministers independent scientific advice on issues of strategic importance
- championing Scotland’s world-leading science and research base and the role of science in the economy and society
- inspiring the next generation of scientists and encourage diversity in the STEM (science, technology engineering and mathematics) workforce.
We are immensely proud of Calum and delighted to see his expertise recognised with this appointment as Chief Scientific Advisor for Scotland. Calum’s contribution to Alder Hey, particularly his calm leadership and scientific insight during the most challenging phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, was incredible. His new role as Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland reflects his brilliance and highlights the calibre of talent fostered here at Alder Hey. We wish him every success as he brings his deep commitment to public health and science to this vital national position.” John Grinnell, Chief Executive at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said: “We are very pleased to see Professor Semple appointed as Chief Scientific Advisor for Scotland. This is an important role, and his appointment reflects both the quality of his work and the broader contribution the University of Liverpool makes to research and public service. Calum’s research has helped ensure that our work delivers meaningful benefits to the communities we serve, and this recognition speaks to the value of that impact at a national level.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Science is the bedrock of our society and economy and at the heart of every decision government takes. From health to the economy to the environment and everything in between, it is a fundamental part of our everyday lives.
“I am delighted to welcome Professor Semple to the role of Chief Scientific Adviser and look forward to his valuable insight and advice as the Scottish Government continues to work with our world leading science sector to highlight Scotland’s strengths as a science nation and ensure it is front and centre of everything we do.”