Government Science and Engineering

There are estimated to be around 18,000 scientists and engineers in government.  They encompass a wide range of roles, from conducting research in laboratories to interpreting science for policy and delivery within Whitehall departments.  In addition, many scientists and engineers in government who are not working in a technical field are nonetheless involved in providing advice which relies to some degree on their analytical experience.

Government Science and Engineering (GSE) was established in June 2008 and aims to increase recognition of the profession’s contribution to policy as well as build a strong and vibrant community with robust links between the different analytical streams and policy makers.

GSE is a self-nominating community which, by December 2009, had attracted over 2400 members from more than 30 different Government Organisations.  Members are drawn from staff with science and/or engineering qualification or background or who work in a related area.

If you are a civil servant who meets these criteria then we urge you to join the GSE.  You will gain:

• opportunities to network with other scientists, engineers, and the wider analytical community both within Government and externally through various schemes of exchange
• invitations to events focusing on relevant professional issues, including the annual GSE conference
• notification of secondment and job opportunities
• information on central initiatives (such as Professional Skills for Government) and what they mean for GSE
• newsletters and other communications.

This community is led by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA), Professor John Beddington, whose role is also that as Head of Science and Engineering Profession. For more details see the Government Office for Science website.

GSE is open to civil servants only.

Join the Government Science and Engineering network