12 May 2008

NWDA welcomes new Science Council Chair

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Platt as the new Chair of the Northwest Science Council, taking over from outgoing Chair, Jeremy Scudamore.

Since retiring in 2004 as a Senior Vice President of Unilever, Roger has undertaken ongoing roles as external director of the Ministry of Defence research laboratories, the Defra Central Science Laboratory and the Department of Education in Northern Ireland.

As Chair, Roger will lead the development and implementation of the regional science strategy, work with the Technology Strategy Board to identify opportunities for collaboration and ensure Northwest priorities are represented nationally. With Science Council members, Roger will also review significant proposals for science projects or schemes and with Council members make recommendations to NWDA regarding support, whilst also actively promoting the scientific capability of the region, locally, nationally and internationally.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, said:

“I am delighted that Roger has been appointed to this central role, which will enable England’s Northwest to remain at the hub of innovation and scientific expertise. As a well respected business leader with a lifetime of experience in this field, Roger will lead the Science Council and drive the science agenda for the region.

“I would also like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Science Council, to thank Jeremy for his dedication, commitment and hard work as Chair over the past three years, taking the new Science Strategy to another level.”

The outgoing Chair, Jeremy Scudamore has stepped down after completing the full 3 year term as chair of the Science Council.

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Notes to Editors:

Northwest Science is committed to establishing England's Northwest as an area of world-class scientific achievement, thereby creating a magnet for talent and science investment, a powerful driver for innovation and enterprise, and an effective force for delivering benefits to health, the environment and society.  The Northwest Science Council sets priorities and provides strategic guidance to the region to enable this vision to be achieved.  Details of the strategy and work of the council can be found at www.northwestscience.com.

For further information please contact Neil Roscoe, Senior Press Officer on 01925 400232 or mobile or neil.roscoe@nwda.co.uk

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk