An independent High Level Science Advisory Group (HLSAG)
comprised of leading scientists from across the UK and Ireland
has been established to support DAERA in its development of
sound, evidence-based policies across agriculture, environment
and rural affairs.
Members have been appointed following a competition which
commenced in July last year. The Group held its inaugural meeting
in CAFRE's Greenmount campus where they were welcomed by DAERA
Minister .
Minister Muir said: “I am delighted to announce the
creation of this independent group drawn from a wide range of
academic disciplines. Their expert advice will be central to the
vision of DAERA, putting science at the heart of policy
development and delivery.”
The chair of the group is Professor Michael Whelan, a Professor
of Environmental Science at the University of Leicester,
specialising in data modelling of environmental systems and in
understanding the behaviour and effects of pollutants and
nutrients in soil and water.
Professor Whelan said: "I am thrilled to have been appointed as
the chair of the new HLSAG. DAERA is currently facing a number of
substantial challenges and policy needs to be informed by strong
scientific evidence. I hope that the Group can add value to the
science base being established by the wider DAERA team and I look
forward to engaging in the discussions."
Members of the HLSAG are: Dr Adrian Allen, Professor Phil
Haygarth, Professor Maeve Henchion, Dr Gillian Gilbert, Professor
David Kenny, Dr Esther Skelly-Smith, Dr Katharine Steentjes and
Dr Thomas Woolley, whose collective expertise will provide
independent, strategic guidance and challenge on all aspects of
departmental science activities.
Minister Muir added: “This new advisory group will
be an important resource to further strengthen DAERA's ability to
access, interpret and understand scientific evidence which will
be critically important to inform DAERA's response to key
strategic challenges.
"These include tackling climate change; protecting our
natural environment; supporting sustainable, resilient and
productive agri-food and fisheries sectors; safeguarding animal
health and welfare and plant health and building strong,
sustainable and diverse rural
communities. To deliver on these
challenges, I place a strong value on the role of academia and
the provision of science for evidence-based decision
making.
“I fully recognise that the successful delivery of
DAERA's policy, operational and regulatory responsibilities are
of fundamental importance to the environmental, economic and
social well-being of Northern Ireland.”
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Minister Muir pictured with High-Level Science
Advisory Group at their inaugural meeting.
- Members of the High-Level Science Advisory Group (HLSAG) are
not public appointments. The HLSAG will have a purely advisory
role and will not direct any research expenditure or hold any
statutory responsibilities.
- More detailed information, including pen pictures of HLSAG
members is available at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/high-level-science-advisory-group-hlsag-members
- Appointments are for a period of three years. The appointment
may be renewed for one further period of three years, subject to
satisfactory performance, the diversity of the current HLSAG and
its balance of skills and experience.
