13/01 Defra’s new
Evidence Investment Strategy (EIS), provides an agenda to
prioritise and manage Defra’s investment in evidence from 2010 to
2013. It highlights the need to focus efforts on climate change,
protecting ecosystems and developing a sustainable food supply.
The strategy will ensure that Defra has access to the best
evidence when developing policies.
Professor Bob Watson, Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, said:
“It is absolutely essential that all the policies that we
formulate are based on sound evidence. We now understand more
about the challenges facing the earth’s climate, ecosystem
services and the supply of sustainable and healthy food. There has
never been a time when there was a greater need for good quality
evidence to contribute to policy making and sound decisions.”
“Defra recognises this and invests heavily in evidence, spending
approximately £240m to evidence-related activities, including
research, surveillance and scientific specialists in 2009/10.”
The EIS will build on the progress made by Defra’s first evidence
strategy - Evidence and Innovation 2005-2008 - by encouraging
better use of evidence for policy making.
The strategy contains a number or recommendations including the
importance of working with others, both internally and through
partnerships with the Research Councils and other government
departments aimed at improving our evidence use.
To view the full strategy and recommendations please visit: http://www.defra.gov.uk/evidence/science/how/strategy.htm
Contacts:
Defra Press Office
Phone: 020 7238 6600
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Rosie Moss
Phone: 020 7238 5610
rosie.moss@defra.gsi.gov.uk