The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has become the first central government department to join the STEM Futures scheme, the UK government has announced.

The scheme puts civil servants together with a range of experts who have a shared interest like data science and systems thinking.

STEM Futures provides shadowing, placements and mentoring both inside and outside of government to increase STEM knowledge of civil servants and allow them to learn directly from experts working in technology companies and universities.

Commenting on the news science and technology secretary, Michelle Donelan, said: “Our universities are one of our biggest exports and their reputation is globally coveted, while we are just third country in the world to boast a tech sector valued at over one trillion dollars.

“STEM Futures, alongside our own Expert Exchange programme, will ensure central government has the direct experience and expertise from the front lines of science and technology it needs to truly understand the issues facing sci-tech leaders, and arm civil servants with the skills they need to shape practical policies that will work for industry, academia, and the wider public.”

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