A year of Agency science

Last night I was at the Royal Society of Chemistry to launch my first Annual Report as FSA Chief Scientist. I was pleased to see so many people from across the scientific community and I would like to extend my thanks to all of you who attended.

My aim is for the Annual Report to be an authoritative reference for our scientific work on food and health.  Examples of how science has influenced policies are included and I have given particular emphasis to our work to reduce foodborne illness and salt intakes.  In future years, the report will plot trends in food-related illness and feature in more detail some specific aspects of our work.

I am also delighted that Professor Colin Blakemore has agreed to chair our new independent General Advisory Committee on Science. Professor Blakemore is one of the most influential and respected scientists in Britain and I very much look forward to working with him and am sure the committee will provide both support and challenge to me in my role.

The Annual Report and the work described in it represent a collective effort of all the scientists in the Agency, to whom I owe a debt of gratitude for their dedication and professionalism. I hope you enjoy reading the report and I would welcome, open and honest feedback on how we might develop and improve for next year’s report. Why not leave your comments on the blog?