THE ROLE OF VETERINARY RESEARCH LABORATORIES IN THE PROVISION OF VETERINARY SERVICES

Veterinary research laboratories play an essential role in the provisi on of veterinary services in most countries. These laboratories are th e source of new knowledge, innovative ideas and improved technology fo r the surveillance, prevention and control of animal diseases. In addi tion, many laboratories provide diagnostic and other services. To ensu re the optimal integration of various veterinary activities, administr ators must understand the functions and constraints of research labora tories. Therefore, a brief discussion is presented of the following: o rganisational structures methods for developing research programmes ou tputs of research scientists and how these are measured the management of quality assurance funding of research. Optimal collaboration can o nly be attained by understanding the environment in which a research s cientist functions and the motivational issues at stake.