EU to consider new channels for scientific advice

There have been hesitant celebrations from scientists following the announcement that the European Commission has kick-started the process of establishing a formal channel for scientific advice, following the abrupt scrapping of the post of chief scientific adviser (CSA) Anne Glover to the President of the Commission in November last year.

The axeing of the post, following complaints of a lack of transparency from a number of environmental pressure groups, drew protests from the scientific establishment across Europe. The backlash was keenly felt inside the Commission, sparking the present push for an alternative advice service.

Carlos Moedas, the EU’s Commissioner for Research, has the job of coming up with some new options before the summer.

Peter Tindemans, Secretary General of Euroscience, a grassroots forum for European scientists, says that any attempt to reintroduce the office must ensure it is not just a haphazard gesture. The post must be better protected from the political battles of the day.

Science advice should funnel into all EU policy fields, Tindemans said.

Non-governmental agencies (NGOs), Greenpeace prominent among them, would like any new adviser held to a similar standard as lobbyists. More transparency, which may include the frequency, format and nature of science advice, is their main request. Greenpeace and other groups disagreed with Glover’s position on GMOs last year in a much-circulated open letter.

Read full, original article: How can science advice get – and keep – Juncker’s ear?

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