The UK Prime Minister has confirmed the reappointment of Professor Stephen Belcher CBE and Tim Dugher as Trustees of the Science Museum Group for a further four-year term. Their new

appointments will run until 31 May 2030, continuing their work supporting one of the world’s leading science and technology museum organisations.

Professor Stephen Belcher currently serves as Chief Scientist at the UK Met Office, where he leads research, development, and operational programmes related to weather and climate science. In this role, he also represents the Met Office within the UK Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser network, helping ensure that the organisation’s scientific work aligns with both national priorities and the broader international environmental science community.

Beyond his responsibilities at the Met Office, Professor Belcher chairs the Science Advisory Panel of the World Meteorological Organization. He also contributes to academic research as a visiting professor at both the University of Reading and the University of Exeter. In recognition of his significant contributions to climate science, he was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours.

Tim Dugher brings nearly five decades of experience from the UK rail industry to the board. A professional engineer and long-time railway specialist, Dugher spent 48 years working across the sector, beginning his career as an engineering apprentice and eventually rising to the role of Chief Operating Officer at Angel Trains Limited.

After more than three decades in full-time executive roles, Dugher transitioned to non-executive board work in 2011. Since then, he has held leadership and advisory positions across several rail and engineering organisations. These include roles with the Rail Safety and Standards Board, Vossloh Kiepe UK, the Network Certification Body—where he served as chairman—and Porterbrook Leasing, where he was a shareholder representative director for eleven years until the end of 2025. He also runs his own management consultancy business and advises a range of companies and projects.

Dugher is a Chartered Engineer and a graduate of Aston University. He is also a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and previously chaired its Railway Division Board. In addition to his professional work, he remains active in engineering outreach through the Institution’s local railway division committee, promoting knowledge and developments in the field. His voluntary service has also included roles as a school governor and a parish councillor.

Trustees of the Science Museum Group serve in a voluntary capacity and do not receive remuneration. The appointments were made in line with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments, with the process overseen by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Under the governance rules, appointees must declare any significant political activity undertaken in the past five years, including holding office, public speaking engagements, donations, or standing for election. Both Professor Stephen Belcher CBE and Tim Dugher confirmed that they have not undertaken any such political activity during that period.

The Science Museum Group oversees several major museums across the UK and plays a central role in preserving and showcasing the nation’s scientific and technological heritage. Photo by Shadowssettle, Wikimedia commons.