Science
Policies in Defra are underpinned by sound evidence. To inform sound policy-making, Defra needs access to the right information and to be confident of the quality of that information. Understanding the knowledge base and using targeted investment to fill critical gaps will help achieve value for money and innovative approaches.
Defra ensures the quality and relevance of evidence in a range of ways:
Chief Scientific Adviser
Professor Bob Watson, Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), oversees the quality of evidence used to provide Defra’s knowledge base on behalf of the Management Board.
The role of Defra’s independent CSA is to ensure the quality, appropriateness and value for money of Defra’s science and knowledge base. The CSA is, ultimately, responsible for the broad range of science that falls under Defra’s remit, ensuring that it is robust and fit for purpose.
The CSA’s role is also to provide Ministers with scientific advice, and build on existing measures to ensure robust science and technology are used to inform policy.
Professor Ian Boyd has been appointed by Defra to be its new Chief Scientific Adviser. Professor Boyd, who is the current Director of the Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St Andrews and the Sea Mammal Research Unit, will join Defra in September 2012 on a three year contract.
Science Advisory Council
Defra’s Science Advisory Council provides independent advice and challenge to Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser and Ministers on the science underpinning Defra policies.
Quality assurance
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Strategy and Evidence Plans
Defra’s Evidence and Investment Strategy summarises the work we are doing, across the range of Defra’s activities, to develop research programmes to support the development of policy. It provides information for decision-making, helps us find new policy solutions, and supports us in identifying and tackling emerging issues, to help us provide good quality evidence to support policy making now and in the future, in the light of our Business Plan and priorities. Each Defra policy area funding evidence has developed an “Evidence Plan”.
Horizon scanning
Horizon Scanning helps us identify and plan for future issues, risks and opportunities.
Further resources
- information about individual projects is available in the Science and Research Projects Database