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Research Funding and Scientific Advice

Background

Ecological research in the UK is mainly funded through the Natural Environment Research Council and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.  However, funding also comes from Government Departments and Agencies and the European Union.  Science advice to government is delivered through a network of internal and external advisers led by the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser.  The BES works to ensure that ecological research is appropriately funded and used by policymakers.

BES Activities

• Defra's Use of Science
  Response to invitation to frame an inquiry by the House of Commons' Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee: March 2008
• Natural Environment Research Council Strategy 2007-2012
  Consultation Response to NERC: April 2007
• Proposal for the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH)
  Consultation Response to NERC: January 2006
• Guidelines on Scientific Analysis in Policy Making
  Consultation Response to the Office of Science and Technology: August 2005
• Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill
  Parliamentary Briefing: June 2005
• Review of Science in Defra
  Consultation Response to Office of Science and Technology: April 2005
• Research Themes in the 7th Framework Programme
  Consultation Response to the European Commission: December 2004
• Evidence and Innovation: Defra's needs from the sciences over the next 10 years
  Consultation Response to Defra: October 2004

BES Ecology and Policy Blog: Science Funding; Science Policy

Other information

• Office of Science and Innovation: Science Funding
• Defra Evidence and Innovation Strategy
• Welsh Science Strategy
• NERC Science Strategy
• Office of Science and Innovation: Science in Government
• Science and Technology Select Committee (Commons) Report on Scientific Advice

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