Professor Chris Johnson
Biography
Professor Chris Johnson is the Chief Scientific Adviser in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) having taken up the role in July 2024. Prior to this, he served as Pro Vice Chancellor for Engineering and Physical Sciences at Queen’s University, Belfast (2020-24) and Head of Computing Science in Glasgow University (2014-2020).
Chris’ research interests lie at the intersection of cyber security and the engineering of safety-critical systems, in applications where it is not possible to halt operation and analyse potential malware without creating significant safety concerns. He helped lead the Department for Transport (DfT) review of UK airports, airlines and air traffic organisations that informed the National Cybersecurity Strategy for Aviation. He set up cyber security labs for the UK Civil Nuclear Industry. He was SG Chair of the National Cyber Security Centre’s Community of Interest in Industrial Control Systems. He is a member of the National Cyber Advisory Board (NCAB) appointed to support the implementation of the UK Cyber Strategy.
His early work helped deliver a range of analysis techniques to identify lessons learned from previous failures. He subsequently served as an expert witness to the Grenfell Tower public inquiry where he helped identify recommendations to improve data and communications across the UK emergency services.
His more recent work has delivered techniques for the ethical introduction of machine learning in military systems, including safety and security requirements, on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
He has held fellowships from NASA, as well as the US Air Force and the US Navy (Office of Naval Research).
DSIT Chief Scientific Adviser
The DSIT Chief Scientific Adviser is responsible for:
- providing scientific and technical advice on departmental policy areas
- external engagement with the scientific research community
- departmental scientific and technical expertise (including the Government Science & Engineering (GSE) profession)
- departmental Areas of Research Interest (ARI)