Managing environmental research in a government agency: priorities in chemical hazards.
In 1993, I served as consultant to a Canadian government agency with responsibility for the characterization of chemical hazards. The work was divided into three tasks: (1) an extensive review of present priorities within the agency, (2) a survey of recognized experts to determine perceived "gaps" in the coverage of research on chemical hazards, and (3) preparation of a set of recommendations. The 23 perceived gaps identified by the expert panel cluster into three general groups: existing projects designed to protect the health of Canadians, practical solutions to concrete problems, and robust methods for dealing with chemical mixtures and generalizable research methodology. A specific set of priorities was recommended to the agency and several procedural changes were proposed: encouragement of working partnerships, a mechanism for ongoing review of priorities, and consideration of alternatives to dedicated research projects, such as emphasizing behavioral rather than toxicological studies on tobacco smoke. A research management system was also proposed based on a matrix organization in which accountability is not divided but which features research-driven cross-program interdisciplinary colloquia within the agency. The general approach and specific findings in this study may be useful in clarifying issues in the management of other, similar agencies.
Guidotti
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Environmental and Occupational Health Program, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine, Edmonton, Canada.
D002170:Canada; D005104:Expert Testimony; D006077:Government Agencies / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D011050:Policy Making; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018570:Risk Assessment
D015386:Hazardous Substances