Head of Science and Technology, Home Office

Continuing Policy Fellow, Centre for Science and Policy

Louise leads the Science and Technology within the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism. The Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT) plays a critical role in the UK’s mitigation against, preparation for, and response to terrorist incidents. The wider directorate within which the Science and Technology team is placed is also responsible for strengthening border security and policy regarding attacks using unconventional materials.

The OSCT Science and Technology team provides technical advice to support counter-terrorism (CT) and serious and organised crime (SOC) policy development. It is responsible for ensuring the Home Office and their end-users (e.g. policing, security services, first responders) have the technical capabilities and scientific advice to get ahead and stay ahead of the threat. This includes delivering Science and Technology programmes to develop CT and SOC capabilities for the short- to mid-term, horizon scanning products to inform the long-term policy objectives and strategic investments and championing innovation across OSCT.

Prior to her time in the Home Office, Louise has held a number of senior Science and Technology roles across government - Deputy Head of International Strategy and Engagement in MOD, as Senior Defence and Security advisor in the Government Office for Science and as Programme Director for Futures and Innovation within Dstl.