Mid-term review of TSE research programme
Tuesday 2 August 2005
A mid-term review of the TSE research programme M03 was held on 16-18 June 2004 at Burleigh Court, Loughborough University. June 2004 was chosen as an appropriate time to evaluate the progress of the research programme since the current ROAME A, the document detailing the rationale and scientific objectives of the programme, started in 2002 and is due to end in 2007.
Review Chairman
Professor Chris Bostock, former Head of the Institute for Animal Health, former SEAC member
Review Panel Members
Professor Sheila Bird, MRC Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Visiting Professor of Department of Statistics and Modelling Science, University of Strathclyde
Dr Martin Groschup, Federal Research Centre for Virus Diseases of Animals, Germany
Dr Corinne Lasmezas, Head of the prion research group at the Service de Neurovirologie (SNV), member of SEAC
Professor Ian McConnell, Professor of Veterinary Science and Director of Research at the University of Cambridge Veterinary School, member of SEAC
Objectives of the review
The review panel was asked to:
- evaluate each of the research projects in terms of whether the best science has been used and whether the research has offered value for money
- evaluate how well the research programme overall has met the aims and objectives of the programme�s ROAME
- identify if there are any major gaps in the programme that are not being covered by other, known, research
- make recommendations for the future direction of the programme
Method of review
To aid the review process, the researchers undertaking FSA-funded research presented their work to the review panel and a wider audience, including FSA officials, representatives from other UK Government departments, TSE research funders and FSA research contractors.
In a closed session, the panel reviewed the progress of the research programme to date.
Conclusions of the review
The review panel was satisfied that many of the objectives of the programme had been met or were on target to being met with the ongoing research. Specific recommendations for the future direction of the programme were made.
The FSA have considered the review panel's valuable comments and recommendations and will be revising the TSE research programme (M03) strategy in order to take into account the Agency's Strategic Plan for the next five years.
Full report of the mid-term review
A full report of the mid-term review is available from the FSA Library and Information centre. To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: Library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Further information
Stephen Dixon
TSE Research Programme Manager
Tel: 020 7276 8342
Email: stephen.dixon@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
