Science

'Overall our impression was of a dynamic and vibrant research community that, over the past five years, has addressed and embraced a range of challenges, and continues to do so.’

The report of the 2018 Cefas Quinquennial Science Review is now available. The external panel were impressed by the science they saw and the people they met. 

You can read the full report, conclusions, or summary and recommendations.

The report provides detailed evaluation of Cefas science under four categories, Sustainability, Capabilities, Quality Assurance, and Use and Impact. It also describes the outcome of telephone consultations with customers, discussions with students and early career scientists, an assessment of progress against the recommendations of the 2012 review, and detailed feedback from the science theme presentations made by staff at Weymouth and Lowestoft.

The panel commends the way we have transformed from a national laboratory to an organisation that provides international science advice and saw increasing trends in the demand for Cefas science to support national policy and international organisations into the future. Above all, the panel was impressed by the people they met, and the energy and enthusiasm they showed for their science.

It is very encouraging to hear such positive feedback. We will also be looking closely at how we can deliver against the recommendations made.

Tom Karsten, CEO said: "Now that the Quinquennial Science Review Report has been published I wanted not only to thank the Review Panel for their comprehensive and insightful work but, more importantly, to congratulate Cefas staff, across the board, for the result."

Highlights from the report include:

"The Review Panel was impressed by the resilience of Cefas and its staff, and the extent to which the organisation has embraced change whilst maintaining science outputs and quality..."

"Cefas is to be applauded in being able to make such a rapid adjustment to FTE numbers in order to deliver the increasing science demand."