Queen Mary experts chosen to help drive forward UK science policy in prestigious government fellowship
Two senior academics from Queen Mary University of London — Professor Akram Alomainy from the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and Professor Jan Mol from the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences — have been selected as Fellows in the highly competitive Expert Exchange Programme led by the Department for Science Innovation and Technology DSIT.
Professor Akram Alomainy and Professor Jan Mol were appointed following a rigorous national selection process, securing two of only 17 Fellowship places awarded across the UK. The Fellowships are part of His Majesty’s Government’s drive to embed leading expertise directly into policy making.
Professor Alomainy will work with the Advanced Connectivity Technology team within Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, contributing his internationally recognised expertise in antennas, electromagnetics and wireless technologies to support future connectivity strategy. His work will focus on translating cutting edge research into practical policy insight for the UK’s digital and communications ambitions in 6G and beyond building transformative landscape for next generation technologies.
Professor Mol will join the Office for Quantum at DSIT, advising on policy related to quantum science and technology. Drawing on his extensive background in quantum materials and devices, his role will support the development of national capability in a field that is central to the UK’s long term science and innovation strategy.
Speaking about his appointment, Professor Alomainy said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be selected for this Fellowship. Working closely with colleagues in DSIT on advanced connectivity is a unique opportunity to help shape national policy using evidence from frontier research. I see this as a vital bridge between academia and government, and I am excited to contribute to the UK’s technology future.”
Professor Mol added:
“It is a real privilege to be chosen as one of only 17 Fellows nationally. Quantum technologies are moving rapidly from the lab into real world applications, and I look forward to supporting the Office for Quantum in developing informed and effective policy that strengthens the UK’s global position.”
The DSIT Fellowship places leading researchers into government for 12 months, enabling direct collaboration with civil servants while strengthening mutual understanding between academia and policy. The selection of Professors Alomainy and Mol highlights the strength of Queen Mary University of London’s research and its growing role in informing national science and technology policy.
Their appointments reinforce the importance of expert input into government decision making at a time when advanced connectivity and quantum technologies are critical to the UK’s economic growth, security and global competitiveness."