Thank you for the opportunity to respond. I don't think that Foresight is in a position of sufficient expertise on the issues to prepare a full response, but there are a few things to keep you up to date with and signpost for the future.

The AEBC consultation on how policy influences science, and thereby drives the research agenda is a good snapshot of big issues relevant to Foresight - how agendas get set, public engagement etc.

Question 8 in the consultation is on the effectiveness of Foresight and horizon scanning, and we will of course be interested in returns, though as we haven't done much within Foresight in this field, it might be quite hard to interpret (responses may be referring to us, our past work, or to Defra's own Horizon Scanning programme.

We would also be interested in the wider findings of the consultation, as it might influence either our project development work, or the activities of the new Horizon Scanning Centre. On new projects, the Agricultural Land Use proposal that I have previously discussed with Paul is still on our short list (currently of five), which is at this moment working its way through SDK's office with a view to circulating around CSAC, ahead of seeking broad Ministerial approval through SCI in the new year. Whatever happens, the earliest it is likely to start is in 2006, as Defra are already leading the Infectious Diseases project, which is not due to report until the end of 2005, and we are trying to avoid overloading any particular department.

Hope this is helpful, give me a call if you would like to discuss anything,

Karl

Karl Cunion
Assistant Director, Foresight
Office of Science and Technology
Bay 326
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET