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Project Code [2019-SE-PhD-2]
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Project title
The role of science in environmental policy and law-making: A critical legal analysis
Primary Funding Agency
Irish Research Council
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
Environmental Protection Agency
Lead Organisation
University College Cork (UCC)
Lead Applicant
Rhoda Jennings
Project Abstract
My proposed research project will focus on this lacuna, using EU nature and biodiversity law as a case study. Focusing on key and emerging concepts in environmental management and ecosystem protection, the project will analyse the interaction and interplay between the scientific data provided to inform and drive policy and law-making, and the policies and laws themselves. Using a multidisciplinary approach and research trips to European science advisory bodies, I will track the life-cycle of key environmental concepts from basic scientific research and frontier academic literature to integration into EU policy and legislation. I will assess the impact the data has had on the courts and the extent to which the judiciary has interpreted environmental legislation in light of developing scientific knowledge. Any disparities in the process will be highlighted and recommendations made as to how to integrate scientific data into legislation and policy more effectively. The project will inform the scientific community, policy makers and the legislature and comes at a time when science is becoming increasingly visible and, in many cases increasingly vulnerable (OECD, 2015).
Grant Approved
�72,000.00
Research Hub
Sustainability
Research Theme
Socio-Economic Considerations
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/08/2022