Professor Richard Prager
Biography
Professor Richard Prager is the Chief Scientific Adviser at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Before joining MHCLG, Richard was Head of the Department of Engineering at Cambridge University and Academic Director of Cambridge Online Education. He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Engineering & Technology, and of Queens’ College Cambridge.
Richard’s research focuses on developing improved non-invasive diagnostic medical imaging systems using ultrasound. He is also the editor of the website ‘I want to study engineering’ that is designed to help “level the playing field” for applicants to competitive university engineering courses.
In his role as the MHCLG Chief Scientific Adviser, Richard will provide a challenge function to the department on the use of science and engineering evidence in policy-making.
MHCLG Chief Scientific Adviser
The MHCLG Chief Scientific Adviser is responsible for:
- ensuring that the department’s policies are supported by the best science and engineering advice available
- advising ministers and senior officials on science and engineering matters
- acting as head of the science and engineering profession within MHCLG