Scientists paid tribute to Lord Sainsbury as he resigned after eight years as UK science minister. The former chairman of Sainsbury’s supermarkets said he had stepped down for personal reasons, preferring to concentrate on his business interests and charitable work.

Sainsbury was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science and Innovation in July 1998, and has been lauded by scientists for his dedication to the role. ‘David Sainsbury has been unusual among Science Ministers because he actually wanted the job, rather than seeing the role as a stepping stone to a higher office. He has earned the respect of the science and engineering community by showing real interest in our work and presiding over unprecedented increases in the science budget,’ said Peter Cotgreave, director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering.