IET: Senior Government advisors takes leadership position at Europe’s largest profeswsional society of engineers

Dr Tony Whitehead will be joining the Institution of Engineering and Technology on 4th January 2011 as Director of Governance and Policy.

Dr Whitehead previously held the post of Joint Head of the Science in Government Unit where he worked for the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser to ensure improved quality and use of science and engineering by Government and improve public confidence in Government use of science and engineering. He was also Joint Chair of the Science and Trust Expert Group and a member of the DCMS Science and Research Advisory Committee.

Commenting on his new appointment, Dr Whitehead said “I have always been passionate about engineering and the enormous contribution it makes to the quality life and prosperity in the UK and Overseas. Consequently I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to join the IET, an organisation that is clearly at the forefront of promoting the importance of engineering.”
Tony has also been Director of Science and Society in the Office of Science and Innovation, Head of the Home Office Science Policy Unit and Deputy Director of the National Measurement System.

He studied and researched nuclear engineering at Queen Mary College, London and pursued research into civil power generation before joining the Civil Service to work on military oceanography at the Admiralty Research Laboratory. He then managed submarine research and procurement projects in the MoD before moving to the Department of Energy to direct nuclear research and decommissioning programmes.

Tony is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Fellow of the Nuclear Institute.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

– The IET is Europe’s largest professional body of engineers with 150,000 members in 127 countries.

– The IET dates back to 1871 and has offices in Europe, Asia and the US.

– For more information, visit www.theiet.org.

– The IET exists to share and advance knowledge throughout the global science, engineering and technology community to enhance people’s lives around the world.

Media enquiries to:
Robert Beahan
Press Officer
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0)7595 400912
E: rbeahan@theiet.org