Chris joined Defence Science & Technology in April 2017 and has been Head of Policy since May 2019. The team's purpose is to identify, understand and address policy challenges associated with a rapidly-changing world of technology. It is also home to the Defence AI & Autonomy Unit, which formulates high-level AI policy and strategy for the department. Chris joined the Civil Service in 2005 after completing his PhD at the University of Cambridge. After a range of roles including strategic analysis and budget management, he became Assistant Private Secretary to the Minister for International Security Strategy in 2013, supporting the Minister on NATO and European policy and the running of the Defence estate. In 2014 he joined MOD's Cyber & Space Policy team as Assistant Head Space Policy, subsequently expanding his portfolio to include Cyber Policy and wider work updating the UK's approach to deterrence.