Vaughan Gething MS, Minister for Economy
Following a very competitive process, I am very pleased to announce our new Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Professor Jas Pal Badyal FRS. He will become Wales’ fourth lead advisor on science.
Professor Badyal is a distinguished Chemist, currently holding a Chair at the University of Durham. He was elected to Fellowship of the Royal Society in 2016 and enjoys a truly global reputation.
He is particularly recognised for his work on the functionalisation of solid surfaces and deposition of functional nanolayers. His cutting-edge chemical research has many and varied real-world applications - from antibacterial medical applications to making water-repellent coatings for smart phones - from fog-harvesting to providing clean water in developing countries, to prevention of fouling on buildings and marine surfaces. He has a strong understanding of the challenges surrounding the translation of research discoveries into commercial opportunities. Professor Badyal’s insight and advice will be a welcome addition to strengthening the role R&D can play in taking forward our Programme for Government commitments.
I look forward to welcoming and working with Professor Badyal who is expected to take up his post early this year.