A public health leader and consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine has been appointed as the Scottish government’s new Chief Scientific Adviser.

Professor Calum Semple OBE will take up the position on 5 August on an initial three-year term.

Professor Semple is a consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and became Professor of Outbreak Medicine and Child Health at the University of Liverpool in 2018.

His new appointment will see him provide Scottish ministers with independent scientific advice and champion Scotland’s science and research base.

Professor Semple said he looks forward to working alongside people driving innovation across Scotland’s academic and industry communities:

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work for the people and government of Scotland, providing evidence and scientific advice to support our policymakers.

“I particularly look forward to collaborating with Scotland’s vibrant communities of scientists and engineers in our schools, universities and industries, who inspire and drive the innovation essential for future economic growth.

“I will ensure that science and evidence remain at the heart of how we shape a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Scotland.”

Originally from Scotland, Professor Semple has previously held key advisory roles during public health emergencies.

These include advising the UK government during the 2009 swine flu pandemic, on the New Emerging Respiratory Viral Threats Advisory Group and the COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies during the pandemic.

He has been studying severe viral outbreaks since 1989, co-founding the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium in 2012, and has since led research on HIV/AIDS, bronchiolitis influenza, Ebola, COVID-19 and monkeypox.

Professor Semple was appointed an OBE for his contributions to the COVID-19 response in 2020 and as a fellow of the Faculty of Public Health in 2022.

His current research includes to evaluate the impact of interventions for patients when admitted to intensive care units with community-acquired pneumonia.

He is also investigating how effective certain therapies are for infants with life-threatening bronchiolitis and the impact of data-informed, community projects to transform outdoor spaces for population health.

Professor Semple will retain his academic and clinical roles in Liverpool with reduced activity during his appointment to the Scottish government.

Announcing the appointment, Business Minister Richard Lochhead said he is “delighted” to welcome Professor Semple:

“Science is the bedrock of our society and economy and at the heart of government decision making. From health to the economy to the environment and everything in between, it is a fundamental part of our everyday lives.

“I look forward to his valuable insight and advice as the Scottish government continues to work with our world-leading science sector to highlight Scotland’s strengths as a science nation and ensure it is front and centre of everything we do.”

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