Chris McDonald has been appointed the UK’s new science minister following the resignation of Patrick Vallance.

McDonald, who became a Minister of State at the newly formed Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (Dbist) on 21 July, also took up a role at the Department of Health and Social Care on 23 July. A chemical engineer by background, he previously led the Materials Processing Institute and has held senior roles in industrial research and innovation.

His appointment comes as the government integrates science policy into its wider industrial strategy following the merger of the former Department for Science, Innovation and Technology with the Department for Business and Trade. As science minister, McDonald is expected to oversee UK Research and Innovation and play a key role in the UK’s future participation in the EU’s successor to the Horizon Europe research programme.

Commenting on the appointment, Chris Molloy, CEO of the BioIndustry Association (BIA), said: “We welcome the appointment of Chris McDonald MP as Minister of State across both the Health Department and the new Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade. Joint ministerial roles spanning health and business are vital for maintaining alignment across the UK life sciences ecosystem, and crucially ensuring the NHS is an active partner in innovation and economic growth to benefit patients and citizens across the UK.

“Chris is attuned to our innovative life sciences and biotech industry’s needs. FUJIFILM Biotechnologies is a major employer and medicines manufacturer in his Stockton-on-Tees constituency, so he also knows the regional impact our sector has across the country and how it can contribute to Andy Burnham’s mission as Prime Minister. We look forward to working with him further on these areas as government and industry partner to deliver the Life Sciences Sector Plan.”