Quick one today – two big appointments for London science: James Richardson is the new Chief Scientific Adviser to HM Treasury while Professor Ian Owens is the new Director of Science at the Natural History Museum.

James Richardson is currently Director of Public Spending and the Chief Micro economist at the Treasury, a post he will continue alongside his new remit, and takes on a post which became notorious during the 2010 election and the Science is Vital campaigns last year, as the Treasury was the only government department not to have a Chief Scientific Adviser. You can read more about this appointment and reaction from Imran Khan amongst others at the Nature news blog.

Meanwhile, Professor Owens, joins the NHM from being Head of the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London, and his CV includes the NERC steering committee on Post-Genomics and Proteomics as well as stints at the IOZ and University of Queensland. As well as continuing his current research on the ecological effects of climate change, the NHM describes his role as to ‘oversee the work of over 300 scientists and 150 post graduate students who are based at the Museum. He will set the strategic direction of the Museum’s scientific activities. This includes ensuring that the Museum meets its national and international responsibilities and the wider needs of society.’