The initial scoping review, conducted by SNIFFER on behalf of the Scottish Government, which sought views on its future Environment, Rural and Marine Research Strategy, is now complete and the draft report has been submitted for consideration.

Just over 100 individuals and organizations were contacted through a combination of face to face interviews, workshops and on-line submissions. The aim of this review was to collect the views of a wide range of stakeholders on the policy and scientific challenges in the environment, rural and marine sectors that Scotland will face over the next 30 years.  It is hoped that this engagement will lead to a framework for the next research strategy that will set out what types of information, data, and understanding policy makers and related stakeholders will need.  The report from this review will outline broad areas of research where science (in its broadest sense) can made a contribution to policy development relevant to Scotland.The subsequent stages of the process will include a wider (public) consultation phase which will take place in early 2008.   

SNIFFER would like to thank all those who took part in the engagement programme.