Call for Members for the Expert Committee on Forest Science
Background
The Forestry Commission is in the process of establishing the Expert Committee on Forest Science. This new committee will provide independent, expert advice onthe provision of science to support forestry in the UK,as set out in the Science and Innovation Strategy for British Forestry,andalso on the quality of science provided by the Forestry Commission’s research agencyForest Research and other providers.
Professor Julian Evans OBE FICFor has been appointed as the Chair of the Committee and we are now seeking expressions of interest from potential members.
Context
Forestry is devolved so research priorities are determined by each country responding to its own policy agenda. This creates both challenges and opportunities for forestry research, particularly as the organisational structures are changing. However, many of the issues facing forestsare similar and can be best delivered though cross-border cooperation. The common evidence needs are brought together in the Science and Innovation Strategy for British Forestry which has undergone a major review and a new draft Strategyis currently out to consultation[1].Responsibility for this strategy, and for the research programmes commissioned under it, lies with the Forestry Commission Research Strategy Management Board which brings together the senior policy leads from FC England and FC Scotland and the Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments.
The Expert Committee on Forest Science will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of forest science in the UK. The Committee’s work will focus on the research delivered under the direction of the new Science and Innovation Strategy for British Forestry. Ensuring there is access to high quality, credible applied science is of prime importance at a time of unprecedented change and interest in forestry.
Expert Committee on Forest Science - Terms of reference
1. To provide independent assurance, through undertaking peer review, on the robustness of the science proposed to address the research questions in the commissioned research programmes.
2. To review the quality of science provided by Forest Research and other external providers to ensure it is fit for purpose
3. To provide a perspective on the quality and applicability of applied research, particularly where it is not subject to formal external peer review.
4. To support Forest Research through the mentoring and development of its staff, by complementing the work being done by FR itself.
5. To give advice on opportunities for collaboration and new research programmes.
6. To provide an independent view to the Forestry Commission on forthcoming challenges, which may require a research focus in the future.
Membership
The Committee will comprise a Chair, seven members, and a secretary. Five of the members and the chair will be from the scientific and stakeholder community, one shall be the Head of Analysts at Forestry Commission, and one the Forestry Commission Chief Scientist from Forest Research. The secretary will be provided by FC.
We are now seeking 5 members who will form a balanced committee and between them cover the following broad fields:
- Forest protection, biosecurity, tree health, entomology, pathology
- Social sciences, economics, engagement, governance
- Ecology, biodiversity, climate change
- Bioinformatics, modelling, mensuration
- Silviculture, forest management and wood utilisation.
In addition, we would be looking for members collectively to bring experience in the following:
- Forestry and the wider forestry sector
- An international perspective on forest science and related sciences
- Assessment of science quality and mentoring of scientists
- Public sector science and the science policy interface
- Commercialisation of science and innovation
As this is a new committee, appointments will be for either 2 or 3 years in the first instance to allow for orderly succession, without disrupting the work of the committee. New appointments will be made to replace those leaving. Members may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
There will be 2 meetings each year and members must be free to commit to attending and carrying out the necessary preparatory work. The first meeting is scheduled for 8th and 9thOctober 2013.
External members will be appointed by the Chair and the Forestry Commission to provide a balance of skills and experience required to help deliver the business of the committee. This will ensure a balance of expertise while allowing members to express their opinions or question any aspects of committee business.Appointees are members in their own right and should not serve as representatives of stakeholder organisations.We aim at all times to find the person who is most suited to the role and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - men and women, people with disabilities, people of all ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, religions and beliefs. Members are unpaid but reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
How to apply
Please email a one page CV together with a short letter explaining why you are interested in this role to by 1 September 2013. The email title should be Expert Committee on Forest Science.
[1]The draft strategy document and further information on the consultation is available at