SCRI's Director and Chief Executive, Professor Peter Gregory, is among 12 leading scientists who have been appointed to the specialist panel that advises the Scottish Government on science issues.

The Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) is a group of 19 experts from the science and business community who provide the Scottish Government with independent advice on a range of science-related topics. This includes how best to capitalise on Scotland’s world-leading research base to benefit Scotland’s economy and its people.

The new members of the SSAC attended their first meeting at the John Hope Gateway visitor centre, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on 11 March 2010.

Other scientific leaders joining the Advisory Council are Professor Lord Winston, an expert on science and society matters, and Professor James Hough, an international leader in the search for gravitational waves.

Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland and Co-Chair of the SSAC, said:

"Attracting such high-profile experts to the SSAC highlights Scotland’s outstanding strength as a science nation. I look forward to working with all our new and existing members as we explore new ways to ensure that Scotland’s economy and people benefit more fully from the quality of Scotland’s science base.”

More information from:

Phil Taylor, Head of Communications, SCRI, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA. Tel: 01382 560044 (direct line), Mobile: 07810 860 701 or

Lorraine Wakefield, Information and Online Service Officer, SCRI, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA. Tel: 01382 560047 (direct line) or 562731 (switchboard).