FIRST MINISTER Carwyn Jones has appointed internationally renowned psychologist and neuroscientist, Professor Peter Halligan, to the post of Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales.

In his new role, Prof. Halligan will provide independent scientific advice to the First Minister and lead the development of the Welsh Government’s science policy.

He will also work to promote the study of science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine to help build a strong science base in Wales.

Prof. Halligan, who has secured international recognition for his research, has played a key role in a number of innovative developments including establishing the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC).

Other ventures include playing a part in developing the Wales Research and Diagnostic Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Centre (PETIC) and the Wales Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience (WICN).

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Professor Peter Halligan's research is internationally renowned and respected. His appointment is a huge boost to Wales’ growing science and research sector.”

Prof. Halligan added: “I very much look forward to taking up this important role, and working with the scientific community to ensure research evidence is taken into account as part of the Government policy making process.

"I also hope to continue to build on the progress of my predecessors in growing Wales’s research and innovation capacity, to help raise Wales’s profile and grow its economic capability.”