Research is the gathering and analysis of data or information to
examine a concept or hypothesis. While surveillance is often
seen as a form of research, this work is primarily covered by other
JNCC programmes (Surveillance and monitoring) although the
development and testing of the methods are included as a research
activity. Research also includes selected activities
to help knowledge-sharing, such as systematic reviews of
evidence.
The results from research allow us to
interpret biodiversity changes, improve the ways in which we
measure biodiversity and help understand ecosystems and the
services they provide. They can also reveal the ways in which
regulation and management policies influence change.
Many of the pressures on biodiversity are large scale and
complex, and so collaboration in research, both between countries
and management sectors, brings benefits and can save money. A
number of research co-ordination bodies exist in the UK and Europe
to help clarify and prioritise research needs in support of
biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental
management.
JNCC has a role in funding biodiversity research. It also advises
Government on research priorities that are relevant to the
UK and its Overseas Territories and Crown
Dependencies. To help fulfil both roles JNCC is a member of
several UK and European research co-ordination bodies.