European Parliament to form science advice panel

After the abolition of the chief scientific adviser’s position last year, the European Commission – responsible for legislative decisions in Europe – is planning to recruit a group of seven scientists to provide independent guidance.

As part of a new system for scientific advice, the group will communicate with top lawmakers in Brussels and Europe’s national academies and learned societies. The Commission is planning on setting up the new system this autumn.

Commissioner Carlos Moedas, responsible for Research, Science and Innovation at the Commission said: “In combination with the forthcoming proposals on better regulation, the new model for independent scientific advice will contribute to the Commission’s continued pursuit of the best possible evidence-based policy. This will be a significant step forward for an effective European Commission that delivers for citizens, and addresses the major societal challenges which Europe faces.”

The Commission wants to ensure that future scientific advice is not only independent of institutional or political interests but also brings together evidence from different disciplines as well as being transparent.

To meet these objectives, Jean-Claude Juncker – President of European Commission – and Commissioner Moedas met with six internationally awarded scientists to discuss ways to ensure that Europe remains a centre of excellence for science and that that EU policy benefits from the best scientific advice.

In the upcoming months, Moedas is set to appoint a seven-member panel. The selection will be implemented by a committee that will look for candidates from around the world. The selected scientists will keep their research positions and sit on the new panel part-time.