He is part of a group scientific leaders who been appointed to provide expert advice. The Council will provide robust, scientific, evidence-based information to support key decisions as energy system is overhauled to reach clean power by 2030.

It will also offer independent viewpoints and cutting-edge research on topics from climate science, energy networks and engineering, to the latest technologies and artificial intelligence.

Their expert advice will allow ministers to access the most up-to-date and well-informed scientific evidence, improving decision-making and effectiveness of policy implementation. 

The team of 16 highly esteemed academic and industry experts will be co-chaired by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) Director General Chief Scientific Adviser, Paul Monks, and Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at Warwick Manufacturing Group.  

The group will be commissioned for advice as required and will meet quarterly. They will assist the Energy Secretary and the wider department. 

Professor Dawson, Professor of Earth Systems Engineering, Director of Research and Innovation, Newcastle University, said: “Achieving net zero and clen power will require significant investment. It is absolutely vital that investment is informed by the latest science and engineering to achieve best value for the country. I am honoured to be appointed to the DESNZ Science and Technology Advisory Council and bring my knowledge on climate risk and infrastructure resilience.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added: “Evidence-based decision-making is fundamental to the drive for clean power and tackling the climate crisis, with informed policymaking the key to securing a better, fairer world for current and future generations.

“To give our mission the very best chance of success, the Science and Technology Advisory Council will draw on the knowledge and wisdom of some of the finest scientific minds of the nation – because clean power offers a huge prize of energy security, lower bills and good jobs.”

DESNZ Director General Chief Scientific Adviser Paul Monks said: “Robust scientific research and evidence is vital to inform decisions, as we break new ground with the mission for clean power by 2030 and accelerate to net zero.

“I look forward to working with some of the country’s most esteemed climate and energy scientists, engineers and mathematicians, to provide comprehensive and considered advice to government on some of the greatest challenges of our time.”

Adapted with thanks from the Science and Technology Advisory Council.