How we do Science
As major funders of scientific research, we commission science in support of policy-making and to help plan for the future.
In 2003 Defra established a programme to ensure that:
- We are carrying out the right scientific activities to underpin current and future policy needs and to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities.
The Office of Science & Innovation has published its review of Defra Science. For more information on the review process please visit the OSI Science Review pages. Our response is available on our Science Strategy page.
The Evidence and Innovation Strategy (E&IS) 2005-08 project aims to refocus Defra's use of knowledge (including science, social science, economics, statistics and engineering) in achieving its objectives - in particular the goals set out in Defra's Five Year Strategy. The E&IS document was launched for public consultation on the 14th October 2005, and is now closed. A summary of the responses is now available on the Strategy pages.
The E&IS project follows the Evidence and Innovation 2004-13 report, entitled Defra's needs from the sciences over the next 10 years , which identified the scientific challenges and opportunities likely to emerge over the next ten years and to which Defra may need to respond.
Horizon Scanning research aims to anticipate and prepare for new risks and opportunities, and for future policies and strategies to be informed by a better understanding of potential future conflicts or stresses.
- The scientific advice we obtain, and the science activities supporting it, is of a high quality.
The Quality Assurance project aims to ensure that Defra funded research is of the highest quality.
- We have access to the right expertise and skills to procure and interpret scientific information, and that scientific advice is used appropriately in the policy making process.
The Science Advisory Council (SAC) is an independent panel of experts that offers advice to Defra's Chief Scientific Advisor and helps guide Defra's scientific priorities and work across all of the Department's activities. This includes long-range planning as well as dealing with short-term risks and opportunities.
Evidence based policy making aims to ensure that Defra's policies are based on a comprehensive and foresighted understanding of the evidence.
- Defra science is open and transparent, and its aims and results are effectively communicated.
Our communications programme aims to help build a more robust organisation by encouraging openness and improving access to science information for the public, as well as encouraging two-way communication, so that wider views of society are taken into account during policymaking.
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last modified: 12 February 2007
Page published: 12 February 2007