The typical category of research and development that exists in many science and technology companies can be led by either post, depending upon which area is the organization's primary focus.
[3] Typically, their role is to evaluate and set scientific priorities and coordinate the administrative structure that supports scientists.
In the National Health Service, the CSO is the head of profession for the 53,000 healthcare scientists working in the organization and its associated bodies.
These roles lead their own professional groups as well as providing expert knowledge about their specific disciplines to the NHS and wider health and care system.
Professor Dame Sue Hill has been the CSO since October 2002 first within the department of health and subsequently NHS England.