Our field research
An outline of field research and the process behind commissioning research.
Our commissioned research covers the entire food chain and provides clear, independent and reliable insights to support policymaking. It identifies knowledge gaps in food safety, food hygiene and nutrition, and provides recommendations. It also explores food safety practices at home that may lead to food-borne disease.
In food safety, our research area covers:
- Microbiological aspects of food safety including cooking and storage and behaviours such as handwashing
- Allergen management
- Food safety culture
In public health nutrition, our research covers:
Food environment, addressing topics like obesity and food-related behaviour
- Food poverty
- Health inequalities
- Commercial determinants of health
- Sustainability and environmental impacts of food production, processing, storage and use.
Field research process
Our field research process involves:
- Identifying knowledge gaps
- Prioritisation of topics
- Commissioning and funding projects through an open tender process (anchor link to below)
- Monitoring project progress
- Publishing findings
- Maintaining a database of information
- Dissemination of findings
- Recommending actions
- Informing public policy and the scientific evidence-base
Tender process
Research proposals are commissioned through a public competition that is advertised in the media in Ireland and Northern Ireland, online government procurement sites, our Research alerts and on this Research hub.
We favour research outputs that can lead to practical and sustainable improvements in consumer behaviour and in the safety and integrity of food chain. Our evaluation process ensures the fair and effective use of resources.
We encourage North‑South cooperation and most of our projects have a cross‑border element. This promotes North‑South interaction between researchers working in similar areas and harnesses research capacities in both jurisdictions in a way that benefits of consumers and those who produce and prepare food.
Our tender documentation includes a project Tender Information Document which outlines:
- Title
- Objective
- Background
- Expected approach
- Technical specification
- Proposed activities and deliverables
- Tender evaluation criteria
- Expected duration
- Tender application process and contacts
Our tender application form consists of 3 parts:
- Details, description and structure of proposal
- Work plan schedule, project tasks and deliverables
- Proposal budget
All commissioned projects are evaluated during and after completion. All outputs are published on our Research hub.
We work with researchers to decide how to use project results, which may include conferences, events, briefings, press releases or communication campaigns.
