Systems Thinking in Government: Defra Launches Systems Research Programme

Ian Boyd Defra – ‘This programme breaks new ground by taking a “systems-thinking” approach to understanding the key policy questions across the Defra group. Defra manages different systems such as the food, water, waste, land use or marine. These systems involve many components which interact in defined ways at various scales. By mapping these systems – identifying the interdependencies between different components and relating these two areas of the Defra Portfolio – we have the opportunity to consider how Defra works and whether this needs to change.

The project will focus on five key environmental and operational areas: rural land use; food; air quality; marine and resources; and waste. My team, in partnership with six academic fellows and colleagues across Defra will develop the project. I am excited to be leading this partnership across the research and policymaking communities. This is an exciting time for policy making in Defra. The new programme is part of Defra’s EU Exit science portfolio which will further our strategic science capability to deliver Defra’s ambitious 25 Year Environment Plan and ensure that new policies are informed by the best possible research. In the past, the science sponsored by Defra, has mostly been led by policy questions. This project is turning the tables by placing science at the centre of problem solving.’

Click here to read about this and the Defra Science strategy

Defra ‘The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) has appointed six senior academic Fellows to focus on five key areas: Rural Land Use, Food, Air Quality, Marine, and Resources and Waste.  The Programme will be led by Professor Ian Boyd, Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, and will be delivered in close partnership with the research community.

The newly appointed Fellows are:

  • Design Authority– Professor Tom Oliver, University of Reading (School of Biological Sciences);
  • Air Quality system – Dr Sarah Moller, University of York (National Centre for Atmospheric Science);
  • Food system – Professor Bob Doherty, University of York (York Management School)
  • Marine system – Dr Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, University of Plymouth (Marine Conservation);
  • Rural Land Use system – Dr Pam Berry, University of Oxford (Environmental Change Institute);
  • Waste and Resources system – Professor Frank Boons, University of Manchester (Sustainable Consumption Institute).

Click here to read more about the appointments

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