Terms of reference

The terms of reference for the Council for Science and Technology.

The Council for Science and Technology (CST) will provide independent advice to the Prime Minister and government on the implications of science and research, engineering and technology. We will work across the remits of individual departments.

Areas for advice will include:

  • the opportunities and risks that science, technology and disruptive innovation present; using horizon scanning to highlight issues about:
    • research and science capability
    • innovation and the economy
    • health and quality of life within the UK
    • sustainable development and resilience
  • how science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) can be developed and sustained in the UK; this can be through education and skills, and the promotion of international co-operation
  • what the government’s high-level priorities for science and technology should be

CST will act as a forum for interactions and discussion between policy makers, researchers and business by:

  • providing regular advice to the Prime Minister and National Science and Technology Council, through letters, seminars or reports
  • holding an annual meeting with the Prime Minister
  • holding regular meetings with the science minister and relevant cabinet ministers
  • engaging with important decision-makers in the government, at ministerial and senior civil service level
  • engaging with other important decision-makers in government and the wider science and technology community, including academics and business experts
  • convening quarterly meetings of CST
  • convening sub-groups of members and external experts to develop advice on specific issues, as necessary