Lancaster Professor appointed to Science Advisory Council
09/07/2011 00:00:00
Professor Louise Heathwaite is Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainable Water Management in the Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University. She was one of eight new appointments including Professors Christopher Gilligan, Ian Bateman, Peter Liss, Quintin McKellar, Judith Petts, Peter Smith and Lynda Warren. The appointments will run from 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2014.
Professor Heathwaite also works part-time as a science champion for the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) as Theme Leader for the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources theme.
Her research expertise is in land and water systems science. She has over 25 years research experience in diffuse nutrient pollution, wetland hydrochemistry, and water quality. Her applied research interests cut across the environmental sciences to interface with social science and economics.
The SAC was established to provide support to Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) so that he can independently challenge and promote the use of evidence in policy making in Defra. The SAC reports through the CSA to Ministers and the Defra Board. The Council also has the power to report directly to Ministers if necessary.