tb_review2006

Review of Defra's Bovine Tuberculosis Research programme

3-6 July 2006, The Diskus, London

The overall objective of the bovine tuberculosis (bTB) research programme is to provide a scientific evidence base on which policies; strategy and negotiations relating to bTB are based. This is achieved by:
. Defining research requirements; and
. Applying scientific knowledge to the study of uncertainties.

Defra research programme reviews are held every three to five years as part of Defra's on-going research management and evaluation process. The purpose of the bTB review is to assess funded R&D in relation to its:
. Scientific quality;
. Delivery of benefits to policy;
. Delivery towards the overall objectives of the research programme;
. Additionally, research programme reviews examine the scope and direction of the programme, and aim to identify future research priorities and needs. This will consider the programme in the context of research programmes in the field that are financed by other UK sponsors, and considering the implications for redirecting Defra research.

In general, the bTB review document includes summary reports that were prepared by research contractors, for on-going and completed projects under review on 3rd-6th July 2006. The project proposal, available annual/final report and the summary reports were provided to referees prior to the bTB review. These documents were used by referees to evaluate the projects. The mean score of the project and the referees' comments, which have been summarised, are included for each project under review.

All comments from referees have been taken into consideration by Defra and havebeen relayed to contractors to help direct on-going problem projects.