Enhorabuena to our enduring friend & supporter  former Vice President of Telefonica Dr Mike Short CBE  on his  new appointment as the new Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK’s Department for International Trade. 

The Department for International Trade (DIT) continues to bolster its team of experts with the appointment of Dr. Mike Short CBE as its new Chief Scientific Adviser.

With over 40 years’ experience in the Electronics and Telecommunications sectors, the former Vice President of Telefonica will take up his post next month.

As Head of the Science and Engineering Profession at DIT, Dr. Short will play a key role in ensuring the department’s policy is informed by the best science, engineering and technical advice and will advise on the technical aspects of future trade deals.

He will also work closely with the UK’s research, development and academic communities to promote British scientific and engineering exports around the world.

Science and technological exports are key sectors for UK trade, with, for example, Pharmaceutical products accounting for more than £25 billion (or 8.3%) of UK goods exports in 2016 alone, making it the UK’s 4^th largest goods export.

International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox said:                                                

“As an international economic department, having the best people with the right expertise will guarantee we create and deliver a world class trade policy, whilst at the same time deepening our existing trade relationships around the world.

“An industry leader, Dr. Short’s many decades of experience in technology, innovation and public policy will ensure that cutting-edge scientific and technical know-how is firmly at the core of DIT’s work.”

Chief Scientific Adviser, Dr. Mike Short said:

“Joining the department as Chief Scientific Adviser during a period of such great global opportunity is tremendously exciting.

“I look forward to working closely with businesses, research institutions and industry to drive UK economic growth, through a trade policy which champions the best in scientific research and innovation.”

Permanent Secretary, Antonia Romeo said:

“Dr. Short brings an impressive breadth of technical and commercial expertise to the department.

“The UK’s science, technology and engineering sectors generate billions in exports and inward investment per year, and I look forward to working closely with Dr. Short in the promotion of our outstanding scientific industries across the globe.”

Dr. Short possesses a rich knowledge in research collaboration, global business and international technical standards. Vice President of Telefonica for 17 years, Dr. Short managed the launch of 2G (GSM) and 3G mobile technology in the UK and is a leader in 5G innovation research.

In recent years, he has led business development and university collaborations on technological innovations including Smart Cities, digital healthcare, cybersecurity and driverless vehicles.

Dr. Short’s announcement follows this summer’s appointment of internationally-recognised expert Crawford Falconer, who joined the department in August as Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser and Second Permanent Secretary, with over 25 years of trade and foreign policy experience.