Diana Garnham, Chief Executive of the Science Council

Diana Garnham is Chief Executive of the Science Council, a membership organisation for learned societies and professional bodies from across science which works to promote science and its applications for public benefit.

The Science Council currently has four main areas of activity: to foster collaboration and cooperation across science; to inform and influence science policy; to encourage the study and application of science; and to maintain common professional standards of scientific practice.  The Science Council awards the professional designations of Chartered Scientist (CSci), Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach), Registered Scientist (RSci) and Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).

Two projects related to science careers are www.futuremorph.org which aims to improve science careers information for 11-19 year olds and show how well science and maths can equip people for a very wide range of careers and understanding the UK science workforce including.  The recently launched the http://www.hiddensciencemap.org also aims to show how widespread and varied jobs from science can be.

After studying politics at Leicester University and war studies at Kings College London, Diana did research in international politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.  Her career has included working with a number of representative umbrella organisations and coalitions including the Council on Christian Approaches to Defence and Disarmament, the Association of Medical Research Charities and the Coalition for Medical Progress.

Diana’s career roles have focussed on establishing standards, building consensus, and developing collaboration.  She has also been involved in a number of areas related to public trust and confidence in science including the use of animals in medical research, human embryo research, gene patenting and involvement of patients in research.

Diana Garnham chaired the BIS Science for Careers Expert Group and was a member of the Council of the University of Nottingham until June 2011.  She has been involved in a wide range of voluntary organisations over the last 30 years and is currently a trustee of Sense about Science and the Benevolent Society of Blues, as well as patron of a mental health charity.