CEN Director Professor Michael Thomas appointed Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department for Education
We are delighted to announce that after 15 years serving as Director of the Centre for Educational Neuroscience (CEN), Professor Michael Thomas will be stepping back from his directorship to take up a prestigious secondment as the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) to the UK Department for Education (DfE).
Professor Thomas, who has directed the CEN since 2010, will begin his new role in January 2026.
A new chapter in evidence-based policy
This appointment marks a significant milestone for the field of educational neuroscience. As CSA, Professor Thomas will play a critical role in ensuring that scientific evidence is embedded at the heart of government decision-making.
His portfolio at the DfE will cover expert advice on:
Learning and skills
Children’s health and wellbeing
School sustainability
The use of technology in education
He will also contribute to the UK’s wider network of departmental CSAs, coordinated by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean.
Speaking on his new appointment, Professor Thomas commented:
“I’m very excited to be taking on this role. It’s long been my interest to ensure that the latest findings from the science of learning are used to help educators and policymakers improve the learning outcomes, health, and wellbeing of both our young people and lifelong learners.”
The appointment has been welcomed by government leadership. DfE Permanent Secretary, Susan Acland-Hood, noted:
“..Michael’s wide-ranging research has provided invaluable insights into child and adolescent development and psychology. His extensive research in this field will prove invaluable in supporting the department’s wider work to give children the best start in life.”
Professor Thomas has been instrumental in the CEN’s mission to strengthen evidence-informed education, and we wish him the very best in this influential new role and look forward to seeing the continued impact of his expertise on national education policy.