Research Policy Branch
Research Policy Branch is responsible for identifying and commissioning relevant research, and knowledge transfer programmes in support of DARD policies.
How to contact Research Policy Branch
Research Policy Branch can be contacted on 028 90525036 or 028 9052 5562, or email Wayne Morrison at
What services does Research Policy Branch provide?
Research Policy Branch:
- leads on the development of DARD strategies for research, and knowledge transfer.
- develops new arrangements for commissioning relevant science programmes, including:
- introducing new arrangements for the provision of scientific advice to DARD;
- developing new arrangements for DARD to put some of its R&D work out to open tender in the future;
- liaising with Queen's University Belfast on the delivery of education in agriculture and food through the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use at the university and on completion of education provision via the School of Agriculture and Food Science.
Much of the work of this branch stems from the recommendations of the O’Hare Report on DARD’s arrangements for the provision of education and R&D in Northern Ireland. Links to both the O’Hare Report and the Government’s response to the report can be found below.