Tim Peake and Ron Dennis Join UK’s New Science & Tech Powerhouse Board
The UK government is making serious moves to cement the nation’s place as a global science and tech leader. Seven top names, including astronaut Tim Peake and McLaren founder Ron Dennis, have been snapped up as the first-ever members of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Start-Up Board.
Meet the Science & Tech Dream Team
- Shonnel Malani – Managing Partner at Advent International and Chair at Cobham and Ultra Electronics, leading the board.
- Tim Peake CMG – Former European Space Agency astronaut and British Army Air Corps helicopter pilot.
- Ron Dennis CBE – Founding shareholder and ex-CEO of McLaren Technology Group, now Chairman of Podium Analytics.
- Baroness Alison Wolf CBE – King’s College London professor, cross-bench House of Lords peer, and former government skills adviser.
- Melissa Di Donato – Ex-CEO of SUSE Software, senior advisor at Hg Capital, and board member at Porsche AG and JPMorgan Chase.
- Saul Klein – Co-founder and managing partner of Phoenix Court (LocalGlobe, Latitude), Seedcamp, and ZINC.
- Professor Jason Chin FRS – cambridge/" title="Cambridge" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Cambridge fellow and head of chemical and synthetic biology at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
The DSIT Board also counts on Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS. The hunt is on for a National Technology Adviser to complete the team.
Backing Britain’s Bold Science Agenda
This powerhouse board will steer DSIT through its crucial first year, offering strategic insight to funnel government clout and private sector muscle behind the UK’s science, tech, and innovation goals. The mission? Boost the economy, create jobs, and improve lives nationwide.
The appointments come hot on the heels of DSIT’s flurry of funding announcements, pushing hundreds of millions into life sciences, innovation accelerators, labs, and unveiling strategies for wireless tech, AI, and quantum computing.
Top Experts Sound Off on the New Board
Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan: “I want the brightest minds from science and tech at the heart of government decision-making to secure the UK as a science and technology superpower. These appointments show how serious this government is about delivering innovation and collaboration.”
Shonnel Malani: “I’m excited to help DSIT deliver its ambitious plan to make the UK a science and tech superpower by 2030 – driving innovation that transforms lives and grows our economy.”
Tim Peake CMG: “Joining the board is a thrill. My experience as an astronaut and test pilot has shown me how critical science and innovation are. I’m keen to inspire the next generation as the UK ramps up on the global stage.”
Ron Dennis CBE: “After years in competitive industries driven by innovation, I’m eager to bring that expertise to support this vital department and help steer a future-focused strategy.”
Baroness Alison Wolf CBE: “It’s an honour to support DSIT. The department’s work will be critical for the future of UK science and technology – and for all our futures.”
Melissa Di Donato: “Britain’s innovation history runs deep. I look forward to driving private investment and helping the UK become the best place to start and grow a tech business.”
Saul Klein: “Having worked across the UK, Europe, Israel and the US for 25 years, I’m excited to support DSIT in unlocking science and tech innovations to tackle challenges like sustainable energy, healthcare and inequality.”
Professor Jason Chin FRS: “I’m delighted to help DSIT focus on key scientific discoveries that open up new growth and sustainability opportunities.”
Next Steps for DSIT
The non-executive board joins DSIT’s government experts to elevate the UK’s science and tech policymaking. New schemes like the Expert Exchange are already bringing top talent from academia and industry into the heart of Whitehall.
Permanent board positions will be filled through a transparent recruitment process later this year as DSIT cements its role driving the UK’s global innovation edge.
For more on DSIT’s ambitious plans and funding breakthroughs, keep watching this space.
