In conversation with Professor Paul Monks CB (BSc Chemistry, 1988)

Professor Paul Monks CB is currently 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 the Clean Energy Superpower Mission.

Paul 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. Paul did his undergraduate degree in chemistry at Warwick before going to Oxford for his D.Phil.

A leading expert in air quality and climate, air pollution and measurement, science policy and Earth Observation science, Paul has previously worked at NASA.

Delivering a speech at a Graduation ceremony, his advice to graduates included: “Remember that the choices you make, both large and small, ripple outward, creating waves of impact. You need to be the generation that looks back knowing you did everything in your power to ensure the world is healthier, kinder, and more sustainable.”

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