Critical Needs for Research in Veterinary Science (2005)
Chapter: Appendix A Statement of Task
Appendix A
Statement of Task
The committee on National Needs for Research in Veterinary Science will identify national needs for research in three fields of veterinary science: public health and food safety; animal health; and comparative medicine. These three fields encompass research with domestic (e.g., livestock and poultry), wild (e.g., deer, exotic species), companion (e.g., cats and dogs), service (e.g., horses, dogs, marine mammals), and laboratory animals. Specifically the committee will assess the future needs for research in the three fields of veterinary science defined above, which are not limited to science conducted by veterinarians—they include science performed by professionals with veterinary degrees and by professionals with various other degrees.
Based on a review of published literature, including the ILAR report on increasing veterinary involvement in biomedical research, and other data, the committee will identify past and future trends and gaps in topics considered, scientific expertise required, current funding levels and sources and institutional capacity. The committee will define national needs for future research in the three fields of veterinary science listed above, assess the adequacy of our national capacity, mechanisms and infrastructure to support the needed research and, if appropriate, make recommendations as to how the needs can be met. The committee will identify areas of veterinary science that are deficient and areas requiring attention, but it will not make specific budgetary or organizational recommendations.
