The new cabinet minister for science in the UK says she will use research to improve people's lives with a "relentless focus.".
A department with a sole focus on science, technology, and innovation would be "transformative," Michelle Donelan told BBC News.
Since 1994, there hasn't had a cabinet minister specifically responsible for science.
Critics claim the establishment of a science department is an unfortunate diversion.
Science fell under the purview of the business division. However, it was divided into three departments as a result of this week's cabinet reshuffle: Business and Trade, Energy Security and Net Zero, and Science, Innovation and Technology, which Ms. Donelan is now in charge of.
She told BBC News that the restructuring demonstrated how important science and innovation were to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's agenda.
The prime minister has made it a top priority because he is aware of the importance of innovation, growth, and opportunity to the fulfillment of his public promises.
"Having this department, with its unwavering focus, will ensure that technological advancements improve people's lives.
The appointment was welcomed by Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser, the head of UKRI, the government organization in charge of managing research funding.
"The establishment of the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is an incredibly exciting development, signaling the Government's commitment to building a fully joined up research and innovation system," the government stated.
A specialist in science policy at University College London, Prof. James Wilsdon, disagreed, stating that it was an "odd time" to make such a significant change to how research is conducted in the UK.
"We may be starting a golden era under Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister that will last us well into the 2050s, but most people think he'll be out by the end of next year," he said. If that's the case, tinkering with the décor—including the chairs, name tags, and buildings—is really just a diversion from the more important issues.
Who oversees UK science and in which Whitehall office are far from the most important issues.
The UK's participation in the £90 billion Horizon research program is one of these urgent issues. Due to a disagreement over the status of the Northern Ireland ., the EU has broken a promise it made in the Brexit withdrawal agreement to permit participation by British scientists.
The president of the Royal Society, which represents the top scientists in the UK, Prof. Sir Adrian Smith, stated that the issue needed to be at the top of the new science secretary's priority list. He suggested that Ms. Donelan's first task be to secure affiliation with Horizon Europe and other EU science initiatives.
These programs support exceptional international cooperation, and by not participating, we undermine the Prime Minister's stated goal of having the UK lead the world in science and technology.
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