New Chief Scientist (Health) appointed

World-leading cardiovascular scientist and clinical academic, Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, has been appointed as new Chief Scientist (Health) for the Scottish Government.

Taking up post on July 1, the new Chief Scientist (Health) will play a key role in ensuring Scotland remains an internationally recognised home of impactful health research, development and innovation.

During the pandemic Professor Dame Dominiczak successfully led the establishment of the Lighthouse Laboratory in Glasgow and was awarded a DBE for services to cardiovascular and medical science in 2016.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

“I am pleased to confirm the appointment of Professor Dame Dominiczak who brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chief Scientist (Health). I look forward to working together closely in the coming months and her expertise and advice will be crucial as we continue our recovery from the pandemic. I would like to thank outgoing Chief Scientist (Health) Professor David Crossman for his years of valuable public service and wish him well for the future.”

Professor Dame Dominiczak said:

“I am delighted to take up the role of Chief Scientist (Health) and to have the opportunity to work with the renowned Scottish health research, development and innovation community. I look forward to ensuring that health research, development and innovation takes a central role in the modernisation of the NHS in Scotland”.

Background

The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) was established in 1973 and has had a Chief Scientist (Health) since its inception.  The aim of the CSO is to identify, promote and encourage research which addresses the health and healthcare needs of the people of Scotland. 

Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak is Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Glasgow; Honorary Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde; and Health Innovation Champion for the Medical Research Council.  In 2016, she was awarded a DBE for services to cardiovascular and medical science.

Professor Dominiczak is currently seconded to the UK Health Security Agency in the UK Government as Director of Laboratories.  In March 2020, she successfully led the establishment of the Lighthouse Laboratory in Glasgow (LLiG), leading to her current role where she continued to expand the Lighthouse laboratory network.  She was responsible for the UK labs testing capability across a coordinated network of 10 labs. 

Professor Dominiczak has been appointed to the role for 3 years.