ITS (UK) member Newcastle University’s Professor of Intelligent Transport Systems Phil Blythe has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department for Transport (DfT).
In this role Professor Blythe will provide the Government with strategic advice on science, engineering and technology issues to ensure the UK’s transport system is sufficiently robust to meet future challenges.
“The DfT has an exciting and challenging agenda for the delivery of new transport investment and I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to be part of this,” he said.
“I hope through my new role I will be able to advise on how we can bring the best of UK science, technology and engineering together to deliver these projects and achieve maximum benefit for the transport systems and economy in the UK,” he added.
Professor Blythe has been appointed to the part time position for the next three years. In his early career he was recognised for work on electronic tolling technology and smart payment systems. More recently his research has focused on electric vehicles and the development of supporting infrastructure in the North East.
He is also Chair of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)’s Transport Policy Panel. IET chief executive Nigel Fine, said: “Professor Blythe’s appointment as Chief Scientific Advisor is recognition of his vast expertise in intelligent transport.
“Over a number of years he has championed the role of intelligent transport and autonomous vehicles and the huge positive effects they will have on our lives.”