One of the key actions taken forward in our first science strategy was to set up an APHA Science Advisory Board (SAB).
APHA Science Advisory Board (SAB)
The SAB provides external challenge and give us independent and objective advice on the quality and relevance of our science carried. It was established in 2014 and has been meeting at least quarterly since then.
The Board is chaired by a Non-Executive Director, and all the members are leading scientists in their respective fields.
Their assessment of our science
One of APHA’s key performance indicators (KPIs) for 2015/16 was to provide an assurance statement from SAB on the quality of our science. So when they met in February 2016, their main task was to make this assessment.
To do this they drew on the wide range of information given during their ‘deep dives’ into important areas of our work over the course of the year and to help further we produced an extensive review document detailing our science highlights from 2015. The review covered our:
- scanning surveillance systems
- response to disease outbreaks nationally and internationally
- inspections of plants entering the UK
- EU reference laboratory work
- assurance of disease freedom
- development of new testing methods to improve confirmation and control of disease
SAB was very impressed with the breadth and quality of science work carried out and confirmed that they were content to assure the quality of APHA’s science. So great news for us!
We’re currently refining the report so that it’s suitable for wider publication.
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