The UK government's surprise move to disband the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and merge its functions into a new super-department has sent shockwaves through the science community. The newly formed Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST), led by Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds, will oversee research, innovation, and trade in one go. This significant reorganisation is part of a broader effort to streamline government structures and boost economic growth.
While some have expressed reservations about the practicalities of this new arrangement, science leaders are generally optimistic about the potential benefits. Dr Mark Effingham, Deputy CEO of UK Biobank, sees an opportunity for the UK to assert its leadership in life sciences and AI, stating that integrating science into DBIST could be a winning formula if it is prioritised consistently as a driver of growth.
Dame Tamara Finkelstein DCB, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, welcomes Secretary of State Reynolds' appointment and the combined innovation, science, and technology brief. She believes this integration will significantly enhance coordination across sectors, enabling the UK to capitalise on its strengths in generating spinouts and startups, supporting them to scale and thrive domestically. The focus on innovation infrastructure, including tech testbeds and data systems, is crucial for translating ideas into products and services.
The creation of a dedicated Minister for Artificial Intelligence has been particularly well-received by industry experts. Chris Molloy, CEO of the BioIndustry Association, describes it as “crucial appointment” reflecting AI's transformative potential across life sciences, from drug discovery to digital therapies. Professor Tony Cohn FREng from the University of Leeds views the appointment as “very timely, if not overdue,” given AI's pervasive influence across all facets of society and the economy. Kanishka Narayan's prior experience in this role is expected to be beneficial in managing both the risks and the immense potential of AI.
However, some experts have raised questions about how this new structure will operate in practice. Professor Michael Rovatsos from the University of Edinburgh acknowledges the important signal sent by having AI represented in the cabinet but questions how policy decisions will be coordinated across various government departments. He suggests that the government has previously struggled with a coherent approach to AI adoption, making the new Minister's role critical in this complex landscape.
Dr Alicia Greated, Executive Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the transition period. She notes that it is crucial for the government to demonstrate a clear understanding of the science sector's needs and priorities as it embarks on this significant restructuring exercise.