VETERINARY EPIDEMIOLOGY - CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN RESEARCH

It is essential that all groups periodically review their mandate, ach ievements and direction in light of the changing needs of society. It is suggested that greater use of the naturalistic paradigm in epidemio logical research is warranted, as the scientific paradigm, while servi ng the 'hard' sciences well may have shortcomings when it comes to und erstanding multifactorial issues, particularly if one of these is huma n behaviour. The challenge then is to ensure on an ongoing basis that epidemiological research remains relevant to societal concerns, and to seek and apply methods that lead to knowledge that will have a positi ve impact. Epidemiology can contribute to societal need both through r esearch and through the resultant practical application of its finding s. The former necessitates that the scientific discipline of epidemiol ogy be strong, and that its methods continue to advance. The latter is more pragmatic and requires integration with other perspectives, for example, economics and management science. There is danger that the la tter harmonization of perspectives be considered synonymous with the d iscipline of epidemiology. Preference here is to use the term populati on medicine for this. Without this distinction we are in danger of bec oming increasingly unfocused. With it we can evolve the discipline of epidemiology and plan our research programs so that they remain releva nt to society's changing needs.