The Programme Board
The Sciencewise-ERC is managed by AEA Technology working in partnership with the British Science Association and with Involve. Strategic direction is by our Programme Board, and operational responsibility is with the Programme Management Team. In addition we will continue to work with a range of specialist organisations. The Programme Board is responsible for the overall strategic development of the programme to achieve the aims and objectives of the Sciencewise-ERC.
The Programme Board consists of:
Sir Roland Jackson
Executive Chair
The Executive Chair will be responsible for:
• Leading the strategic development of the programme
• Understanding and balancing the stakeholder views via the Steering Group with those of BIS
• Developing and maintaining awareness within a high-level network within government
• Acting as the primary public spokesperson for the programme.
Chief Executive of the British Science Association, with experience of leading organisations in both the charitable and public sectors, senior management roles in the public and private sectors, close working with Government departments and agencies, nationally and locally, in the areas of science, education and culture, development of science, education and cultural policy nationally, media relations, leadership and management of education-business partnerships across all functions of a multi-site science-based international business, scientific research, national curriculum development, production and marketing of teaching resources for schools and colleges, school governorship, departmental management and teaching in schools.
Alan Mercer
Programme Director
The Programme Director will be responsible for:
• Delivery of all programme activities in line with the agreed Annual Business plan
• All operational decisions and activities
• Ensuring adherence to the conditions and reporting requirements of BIS
• Management of the contractual arrangements for delivery of the Programme
• Chairing the monthly operations meetings with BIS.
Over 25 years' experience of design, development, implementation and management of programmes and initiatives on behalf of Government. Experienced Programme Director and has a strong appreciation of the needs of Government in the delivery of programmes and in particular in knowledge and technology transfer initiatives. Broad knowledge of science and technology including energy, energy efficiency, environmental science and biological systems.
Simon Burall
Head of Dialogue
The Head of Dialogue will be responsible for:
• Heading the team of dialogue and engagement specialists
• Heading the programme of thought leadership, ensuring quality and added value
• Ensuring the use of best practice in dialogue throughout all Sciencewise dialogue activity
• Delivering innovations in dialogue leading to greater public involvement in policy on science, technology and innovation
• Developing and maintaining the active participation of the dialogue and engagement community.
An experienced researcher in the fields of democracy, governance, accountability, open government, stakeholder and public dialogue. Over 15 years of domestic and international experience with a demonstrable experience for innovative thought leadership and sensitive, practical advice to government, business and civil society. Extensive experience of developing and sustaining networks of professionals operating across organisational boundaries as well as delivering multi-year, multi-country projects on tight budgets and timelines. An ambassador for WWF-UK, a member of the Strategy Group for the Living With Environmental Change, Chair of Democratic Audit and Steering Committee Member of Alberta Climate Dialogue project.