Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland
The central role played by Knowledge Exchange to BioSS activities is explicit in our Vision statement. Our advisory work enables us to transfer our expertise to a broad array of end-users, including scientists, policy makers and industry. Conversely, our understanding of emerging quantitative requirements of these end-users ensures our research addresses problems of practical importance.
At BioSS, Knowledge Exchange takes various forms:
The long-established relationship between BioSS and SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture) demonstrates the full range of BioSS KE activities and their impacts. At an advisory level, BioSS provides SASA with regular access to statistical consultancy and training courses. Our advice on sampling for potato cyst nematode was influential in setting an EU directive. We have also produced a "calculator" to allow seed technologists to easily convert DNA measurements from a PCR assay to estimates of seed disease levels. This calculator is based on sophisticated Bayesian calibration methods. At a research level, we have developed methodology to allow automatic measurement of plant characteristics from digital images. This is now used routinely in the assessment of new vegetable varieties. We also work hand-in-hand with SASA in plant variety registration and represent Scotland and the UK on national and international technical committees.
The BioSS 21st Anniversary Meeting, held at Victoria Quay in March 2008, represented a major step forwards in BioSS"s approach to KE. For the first time, we led an event with invited attendees from the wide range of organisations with which we have worked in the past and intend to work in the future. Presentations were made on our research and its many applications, spanning scientific and policy arenas as well as in the wealth-creating industries.
Broadening our funding and collaborator base has been an important objective. New clients include the Countryside Council for Wales, the Royal Horticultural Society, Axon Clinical Research Ltd, Keep Scotland Beautiful, SAOS Ltd and Triveritas Ltd. This has allowed BioSS to interact ever more widely, and in addition has led to a 29% increase in contract income.
