Dame Angela has been appointed Chief Scientific Adviser for the Ministry of Defense in the United Kingdom.
As an expert on the spread of infectious disease, at Oxford University, she becomes the first woman to have held such a position.
Dame Angela played a critical role at the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and drew up advice.
“I am delighted to take on this role at such an important time in our country for science, innovation, and technology,” Dame Angela said.
“All of us in government are going to greatly miss Sir Patrick and I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on the work he has led during his time as GCSA.
“My long-term mentor, the late Lord Robert May, held the post of GCSA between 1995 and 2000 and that personal connection adds a particular depth to my sense of honour in being asked to take on this role,” Dame Angela said in an appreciation speech.
Prime Minister who appointed Dame Angela, Rishi Sunak said Angela’s role will enable the government create jobs, improve public services and grow the economy.
“I’m delighted that Dame Angela is taking on this role to advise the government on how we make this happen – building on Sir Patrick’s instrumental work over the past five years, which included helping the country through some of our greatest challenges, from the pandemic to climate change,” he said.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Michelle Donelan also said: “I hope this appointment will inspire more women and young girls to see science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects as an exciting career choice.”
