Professor Paul Monks CB is the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). As CSA, he delivers independent and impartial science and engineering advice to Ministers and policy makers across the department’s policy and delivery portfolio and Clean Energy Superpower Mission.
The CSA works across a wide range of domestic and international science and policy areas, including energy transition, energy infrastructure and systems, industrial decarbonisation, atmospheric and climate science, next generation energy technologies, emerging enabling technologies, international climate negotiations, and national security. The CSA is also responsible for ensuring the department has robust systems in place to access science and engineering expertise, including as co-chair of the DESNZ Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) and as departmental Head of the Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Profession.
The CSA works closely with the Government CSA, the cross-government network of departmental CSAs, and the DESNZ Chief Analyst, to strengthen the links within and across departments and analytical communities, encouraging effective engagement and knowledge sharing, and to support delivery of a robust evidence base to underpin policy decisions. The CSA also works with external academics, industrial experts, research institutions, NGOs, and National Academies to support the department’s access to further, independent expertise.
The CSA provides and supports access to science and engineering advice to support decisions in emergencies. For example, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Paul Monks was as an active member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and Environmental Modelling Group (EMG) subgroup, and co-chair of the Events Research Programme (ERP).
Prior to joining the department, Professor Paul Monks was Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, where he remains a Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science.
Professor Paul Monks was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the King’s New Year Honours 2025 for Services to Science in Government.
