Chief Science Policy Officer, The Royal Society

Dr Rupert Lewis is Chief Science Policy Officer at the Royal Society. The Royal Society is the independent scientific academy of the UK, dedicated to promoting excellence in science for the benefit of humanity, whose Fellowship include many of the world’s most distinguished researchers. The policy team lead work on climate, the biosphere, innovation and emerging technologies, data, science policy, education, and deliver rapid expert advice on SARS-Cov-2.

Before joining the Royal Society Rupert led the Government Office for Science (GO-Science) which supports the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, providing science advice to the Prime Minister and to the Cabinet, carrying out strategic Foresight projects, and science advice in emergencies. His previous roles include head of Automotive policy, deputy Chief Scientific Adviser (BIS), and head of Climate Adaptation policy. He also set up the Prime Minister’s ‘Business Council for Britain’ during the financial crisis. Rupert has a BSc in Marine Biology, a PhD in genetics, and worked on aquaculture development and start-ups in SE Asia, South Africa, and Europe prior to joining Government in 2002.