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The Welsh Assembly has appointed its first Chief Scientific Adviser.

Internationally-recognised scientist Professor John Harries is taking up the role to provide scientific advice to the First Minister and the Welsh Assembly Government. This appointment follows a review into the creation of a Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, which was carried out by Professor Christopher Pollock in 2008.

Professor Harries, originally from Aberavon, will commence duties on May 1. He is currently Professor of Earth Observation at the Blackett Laboratory of Imperial College London and a member the Grantham Institute for Climate Research at the College.

He is a past President of the Royal Meteorological Society, and of the International Radiation Commission.

He was the first Director of the Space Science Department at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and has been a senior adviser to the UK Government in several roles. He is also the Principal Investigator of a climate monitoring instrument, which is currently operating on the European Meteosat satellite series in geostationary orbit. Professor Harries will take up his role on May 1.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:   "The appointment of Professor Harries as our first Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales will ensure that we build on an impressive track record of achievement, and develop a more effective promotion of science and technology within the wider knowledge economy arena.?

" Wales is a small country, but is capable of the intelligent application of new science and engineering as a basis for greater commercial success in industry,? said Professor Harries. ?The role includes acting as Head of Profession, providing a focus for good practice and the enhancement and encouragement of scientists and engineers in Wales."