Sir Patrick Vallance, the former chief scientific adviser of the UK, reminisces about his childhood fascination with dinosaurs while sitting in an office at the Natural History Museum. Despite not pursuing a career in paleontology, Vallance still holds a deep appreciation for the museum and its exhibits, particularly Dippy the diplodocus and the whale. After five years as chief scientific adviser, including during the Covid pandemic, Vallance has taken on a new role as the chair of the Natural History Museum’s board of trustees. During a tour of the museum, Vallance and the scientists discuss various collections and projects, including plant samples from Captain Cook’s voyage, a tunicate found in the Pacific, and the development of a new Natural History GCSE. The conversation also touches on the role the museum plays as a source of evidence and information, and Vallance’s mission to ensure its neutrality and credibility in addressing environmental challenges. Despite his prominence during the Covid pandemic, Vallance emphasizes the need for evidence-based decision-making and the museum’s role in providing that evidence. He recognizes the importance of the museum as a scientific experience for children and its status as the most-visited indoor attraction in the UK. Vallance also acknowledges the changing natural world and the need for action in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. He discusses the biodiversity intactness index and the practical approach needed to tackle these issues. Vallance’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to simplify complex problems and focus on specific actions and plans for addressing them. The article concludes with Vallance speaking at a trustees’ dinner, where he discusses the role of nature in medicine and presents symbolic artifacts.
Sir Patrick Vallance shares insights on pandemics, eco-anxiety, and leading the Natural History Museum: A Perfect Fit
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