History

2004

CST relaunched with new terms of reference, a new membership and new ways of working.

2003

The final report of the quinquennial review of CST was accepted by Ministers. The report concluded that CST is needed by Government, but that its role in relation to Government priorities should be made clearer.

Announcing the outcome of the review on 22 July, Lord Sainsbury said: "CST's role is more important than ever as the Government moves to make the UK a world leader in the knowledge based economy. The review that has just been completed has provided an excellent opportunity to reshape CST's terms of reference, organisation and ways of working to ensure that they are well-tuned to the UK's current needs..."

2002

A quinquennial review of the Council was initiated. This review was carried out by an independent consultant and contributions were received from across Government, academia and industry.

1998

The Council was re-established with the remit 'to advise the Prime Minister about the United Kingdom's strategic policies and framework for supporting science and technology and maximising their key contribution to the nation's sustainable development'. 14 independent members were appointed. The President of the Board of Trade took the Chair on behalf of the Prime Minister, and the Government's Chief Scientific Advisor became the Deputy Chair.

1997

On taking up office following the general election, the President of the Board of Trade decided to undertake a review of the Council in its entirety with a view to increasing its effectiveness, profile and prominence in accordance with open Government principles.

1993

The Government's White Paper 'Realising our potential: a strategy for science, engineering and technology' (1993) established the CST, replacing the Advisory Council on Science and Technology (ACOST). The new body was to be comprised largely of independent members, 'bring[ing] together customers of publicly funded research, industrialists, academic and business men and women...'. Its remit was to 'advise on science and technology issues central to the success of the United Kingdom'.