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New trustee for the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts

Ian Pearson, Minister for Science and Innovation, has appointed Professor Stephen Emmott as a Trustee of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA). The term of appointment is for four years from 16 June 2008 to 15 June 2012.

The Minister said:

I am delighted that Stephen has agreed to serve on the NESTA Board. The knowledge and experience of the Trustees makes a vital contribution to NESTA.

Through its work to transform the UK's capacity for innovation - by investing in early stage companies, informing and influencing policy and delivering practical programmes to help innovation flourish - NESTA is one of our key partners at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

With the publication of our White Paper, Innovation Nation, in March, we have a challenging and exciting agenda ahead. NESTA has an important role to play in implementing the recommendations to develop an Innovation Index and to establish a Public Services Innovation Laboratory.

NESTA's Chairman, Chris Powell commented:

Stephen is an eminent scientist who has played a leading role in driving the UK's innovation agenda. His appointment is a welcome addition to an already impressive Board of Trustees who possess the vision, skills and experience to lead NESTA in its quest to help the UK meet the innovation challenges of the 21st century.

Notes to Editors

  1. Professor Stephen Emmott is Director of Scientific Programmes and Head of Computational Biology at Microsoft Research. He is also Professor of Computational Science at the University of Oxford and Visiting Professor of Intelligent Systems at University College London. He is a member of the UK Science Forum and the CBI's Science and Innovation Board. He has worked in research fields at the intersection of computing and science for almost two decades through appointments at AT&T Bell Laboratories; BT Laboratories; as founder, chief scientist and director of NCR Corp's advanced research lab; at University College London; and at the University of Stirling Centre for Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience. Professor Emmott holds a PhD in computational neuroscience and a BSc (first class) in biological science (experimental psychology) from York University. Professor Emmott has declared no political activity during the past five years.
  2. NESTA Trustees do not receive a salary but may claim reasonable travel and subsistence, including an allowance of £209 per day spent on NESTA business.
  3. NESTA - the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts - is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body established by the National Lottery Act 1998 with a remit to 'support and promote talent, innovation and creativity in the fields of science, technology and the arts'. With endowed funds of over £300 million, NESTA works to transform the UK's capacity for innovation by investing in early-stage companies, informing and influencing policy, and delivering practical programmes to help innovation flourish. Further information can be found at www.nesta.org.uk.
  4. Appointments to the Board of Trustees are made by the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, although the appointment of the Chair and the Arts Trustee are made in agreement with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
  5. For further information, please contact Matthew Barker at the DIUS Press Office on 020 3300 8126 or Catherine Anderson at NESTA on 020 7438 2609.