Section 12: The Scientific and Technical Committee shall -

(a) be the supreme authority for all scientific and technical matters, responsible to - @ liaise rvith external stakeholders in public anrl Private sectors and to maintain contact with national agricultural research entities/organi' sations; No.28 llre Sierra Leorc Agricultural Resear.ch lnstitute Act, 2023 1l (if advise on priorities for the research and ; development programmes of the lnstitute to ensure maximura quality and effectiveness; Qii) review recormendations made to the Institute and formulate new research initiatives, on agriculhre, nalional food security, nutrition and food policy; (iv) review the annual programme ofwork, including new research programmes, proposals from the Programme Committees of Research Centres and make appropriate recommendations to Council; (v) oversee the annual research output, programmes and scientists of the lnstitute and specific outputs of Research Centres, with respect to their impact on farmers and farming communities as well as the scientific communiry; (vi) nominate outstanding research and researchers for recognition by Council and other authorities; (vii) provide quality assurance systems for agricultural research and related innovations, except those conducted by or in collaboration with accr€dited universities in Siera Leone; t2 No.28 The Sieta Leone Agricultural Research lwtitute Act' 2023 (viii) develop guidelines for the establishment and development of non-university research facilities, including the seiection of location, provision of laboratory facilities and supervisory requiretnents for major field installations and specialised equipment; and (x) perform sr-rch other functions as Council maY detemrine. (b) consist of the following members - (} The Director-General of Institute, who shall be the Chairman; (ii) The Deputy Director-General for Research and lrutovation, who shall be the Secretary'; (iii) The Deputy Director-General for Commercialization and Business Development; (iv) 2 Directors of research centers of Institute, appointed by the Councif on an annual rotational basis; (v) The ChiefAgricultural Officer, Ministry of Agriculnre; (vi) The Executive Secretary, National Council of Science and Technolory; (vii) 2 Deans ofthe faculties of agriculture or related natural science disciplines from public universities, appointed by the Minister, cn tlie recommendation of 6er,r:cil, ensuri,rq 1,;ender balance; 'No.28 The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Act, 2023 r3