Image: The Seacity museum, part of Southampton's Cultural Quarter

A partnership between Southampton City Council (SCC) and the University of Southampton has resulted in the appointment of the first local authority chief science adviser in the UK.

Professor AbuBakr Bahaj, head of the University's Energy and Climate Change Division, has taken on the role to champion science and engineering as a key driver of the economy and ensure the city uses science effectively in all policy-making.

Bahaj will also provide the council with expertise on relevant environmental issues, including guidance on energy efficiency at council-owned buildings such as museums, leisure centres and swimming pools.

Bahaj said: "Our aim will be focused on tackling future challenges encountered within cities, such as how a city could operate under a changing climate and resource depletion and the environmental, social and economic impacts of these changes."

To read the full press release, click here.

• The council launched the £15m SeaCity Museum as part of Southampton's new Cultural Quarter in April. To read more, click here.