Government Social Research
Firstly, the team works to mainstream rural issues across all research and policy areas in the Executive, by encouraging researchers and policy officials in other Departments to consider the rural perspective in their work.
Secondly, in a similar vein to the work of Defra colleagues highlighted in last month's Bulletin, the team mainstream social research within their own Department. This involves working closely with rural economists, including to develop a joint social and economic rural research programme, and with rural policy colleagues to promote evidence-informed policy making. It also means providing advice and support on social research methods to scientific research colleagues and thereby promoting joint working across the natural, biological and social sciences.
For more information about the Team's work, please contact Donna Easterlow, Principal Research Officer (0131 244 4186; donna.easterlow@scotland.gsi.gov.uk).