About us
The Council for Science and Technology (CST) advises the Prime Minister on science and technology policy issues across government.
Who we are
The Council for Science and Technology (CST) was established in 1993 as the government’s top-level advisory body on science and technology. CST is co-chaired by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and an independent chair. The Council is formed of 19 independent members.
Governance
Responsibilities
The Council provides impartial and evidence-based advice to the Prime Minister and Cabinet on:
- what the government’s high-level priorities for science and technology should be to deliver the government’s national missions;
- emerging and long-term scientific and technological developments, including opportunities and risks relating to:
- science and research capability
- innovation and economy growth
- health and quality of life within the UK
- sustainable development and resilience
- how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) can be developed and sustained in the UK (e.g., through skills and international partnerships);
- the UK’s science and innovation system, including issues relating to UK research, development, and innovation institutions;
- other matters requested by the Prime Minister, ministers, or considered important by the Council; and
- topics requested by the Science and Technology Cabinet Committee.
Code of practice
The CST adopts the government’s Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees although, as the CST’s role is to advise on strategic policy rather than to evaluate research, some parts of the code aren’t directly relevant to CST’s activities.
The code covers all of the committee’s work including role, remit, responsibilities of members, chairs and secretariats, working practices, and publication of documents. It ensures that the committee works openly and transparently.