Chief science officer
Encyclopedia
Chief Science Officer is a position at the head of scientific research operations at companies performing significant scientific research projects.
In some organizations, the same person may hold this title along with that of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Alternatively, a company could have one or the other, or both occupied by separate people. Often, a Chief Science Officer exists in heavily research-oriented companies, while a Chief Technology Officer exists in product development focused companies. The typical category of Research and Development
that exists in many science/technology companies could be led by either post, depending upon which area is the organization's primary focus.
A Chief Science Officer almost always has a basic/pure science background and advanced degree, whereas a Chief Technology Officer often has a background in engineering and/or business development.
Some academic research organizations, such as Fox Chase Cancer Center
, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
, and the San Diego Supercomputer Center
have adopted a similar title of Chief Scientific Officer. Typically, their role is to evaluate and set scientific priorities and coordinate the administrative structure that supports scientists. A Chief Scientific Officer commonly has a scientific or academic background, yet they may or may not be practicing scientists or academics.
In some organizations, the same person may hold this title along with that of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Alternatively, a company could have one or the other, or both occupied by separate people. Often, a Chief Science Officer exists in heavily research-oriented companies, while a Chief Technology Officer exists in product development focused companies. The typical category of Research and Development
Research and development
The phrase research and development , according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, refers to "creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of...
that exists in many science/technology companies could be led by either post, depending upon which area is the organization's primary focus.
A Chief Science Officer almost always has a basic/pure science background and advanced degree, whereas a Chief Technology Officer often has a background in engineering and/or business development.
Some academic research organizations, such as Fox Chase Cancer Center
Fox Chase Cancer Center
The Fox Chase Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center research facility and hospital located in the Fox Chase section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. The main facilities of the center are located on property adjoining Burholme Park...
, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana–Farber Cancer Institute is part of a Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute. It is a major affiliate of Harvard Medical School and is located in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston, Massachusetts.-Overview:...
, and the San Diego Supercomputer Center
San Diego Supercomputer Center
The San Diego Supercomputer Center is an organized research unit of the University of California, San Diego . Physically, SDSC is located on the east end of Eleanor Roosevelt College on the campus of UCSD....
have adopted a similar title of Chief Scientific Officer. Typically, their role is to evaluate and set scientific priorities and coordinate the administrative structure that supports scientists. A Chief Scientific Officer commonly has a scientific or academic background, yet they may or may not be practicing scientists or academics.