Three academics from the University of Cambridge have been appointed to the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's new Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC). The council, which convened for the first time on July 9, 2025, aims to provide scientific evidence-based information to support decisions as the UK works towards achieving clean power by 2030.
The appointees include Engineering Professor Julian Allwood from St Catharine's College, Cambridge Zero Director Professor Emily Shuckburgh from Darwin College, and Emeritus Professor David Newbery from Churchill College. They join a panel of 17 expert advisors tasked with offering independent viewpoints and research on topics such as climate science, energy networks, engineering, technology advancements, and artificial intelligence.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making in addressing the climate crisis. "Evidence-based decision-making is fundamental to the drive for clean power and tackling the climate crisis," he stated in the government's announcement.
Professor Allwood leads research at the Use Less Group and focuses on zero emissions technologies that are already scalable. His projects include innovations like electric cement. Professor Shuckburgh directs Cambridge Zero and has an extensive background in environmental data science. She previously led a national research program on the Southern Ocean at the British Antarctic Survey. Professor Newbery serves as Director of the Cambridge Energy Policy Research Group and holds positions at both Cambridge and University College London.
STAC is co-chaired by Professor Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Adviser at DESNZ, and Professor David Greenwood FREng of Warwick Manufacturing Group. The council's expert advice is intended to enhance ministerial access to scientific evidence for improved policy implementation.