Professor is new Cabinet science adviser

A PROFESSOR of genetics is to become the Government’s new science adviser after the previous expert stepped aside in a storm over his qualifications.

Professor Patrick Cunningham replaces Barry McSweeney, who left the job when his doctorate was revealed to have been awarded by a US university accused of selling bogus degrees.

Professor Cunningham, who is 72, is a renowned expert in animal genetics, having been awarded his PhD doctorate from Cornell University, one of America’s most prestigious institutions.