New science advisory council for Defra

Defra

Ministers have appointed a new body to give expert and independent advice on science policy and strategy to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The 12-strong Science Advisory Council will help guide Defra’s scientific priorities and work, including horizon-scanning and long-range planning as well as dealing with immediate risks and opportunities.

Defra spends more than £300million a year on science and research underpinning a broad range of policies including environmental protection, farming and food, animal and plant health, and sustainable energy.

The Science Advisory Council will be chaired by Professor Roy Anderson FRS, Head of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College, London.

Professor Sir John Marsh CBE, Governor of the Scottish Crop Research Institute and the Royal Agricultural College, and President of the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants, will be Vice-Chair. A full list of members is attached.

Defra Minister Lord Whitty said:

“The new Council is made up of people who are highly distinguished in their own fields and who will help us to improve the quality and direction of our science, and bolster our efforts to achieve a better quality of life for everyone.

“They will help us to think ahead more effectively, and to widen the range of advice we get from the best sources. They will be challenging too, ensuring that we live up to our desire for greater openness and engagement with the scientific community.”

Howard Dalton, Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, said:
“The SAC will be an important source of cross-cutting advice to me, helping Defra to anticipate and prepare for new risks and opportunities so that future policies and strategies are even better informed by sound science.”

“The Council will also help to raise the profile of our science, and play its part in increasing trust and confidence among professionals and the public as a whole."