03 Sept 2009 – Press Release – Appointment at DECC

David MacKay, Professor in the Department of Physics at Cambridge University and author of the influential book ‘’Sustainable Energy – without the hot air” has been appointed Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

The Chief Scientific Advisor’s role is to ensure that the Department’s policies and operations, and its contributions to wider Government issues, are underpinned by the best science and engineering advice available.

Professor MacKay said:

“Climate change and secure energy are two of the most urgent issues facing the UK and the global community. The solutions must be rooted firmly in the science and I look forward to advising the Government on how it can help deliver these important goals.”

Secretary of State Ed Miliband said:

“David MacKay is known for making science accessible and helping to explain clearly the urgency and the challenges of moving to a low carbon economy. I want him to bring all of these qualities to the job of advising DECC on how we can meet Britain’s carbon targets and energy security needs.”

Notes to editors

1. David MacKay is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge. He studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge then obtained his PhD in Computation and Neural Systems at the California Institute of Technology. He is internationally known for his research in machine learning, information theory, and communication systems, including the invention of Dasher, a software interface that enables efficient communication in any language with any muscle. He has taught Physics in Cambridge since 1995. Since 2005, he has devoted increasing amounts of time to public teaching about energy. David MacKay is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a member of the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Climate Change.
2. The appointment was made on merit and in accordance with the Recruitment Principles of the Civil Service Commissioners. He will be seconded from Cambridge University from 1 October and will receive an annual salary of £108,000, working 4 days a week.

[Bealers has been reading this book since he got his reading list for his forthcoming MSc course. I've been sneaking a read of it too when I get to bed and it is one of the best. The author clearly knows his subject and sets out his arguements in a logical, humourous way. I'm a big fan so am beyond delighted to hear of his appointment of Chief of Sceince to the Dept of Energy & Climate Change. The government are now, in my eyes, being pro-active in making the necessary preparations for this country's population and are no longer sticking their fingers in their ears whilst shouing 'La-la-la-lahhhh...'.
Prof Mackay is so very nice that he has made his book available online for free.]