Commissioner to examine new ways of delivering independent scientific advice

The European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas, will investigate new options for providing impartial scientific guidance, according to a report by Science Business.

The commissioner will present a list of options to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker by the summer and will investigate the ‘best practices’ used around the world.

Earlier this week, European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans appeared to confirm at a meeting of the European Conservatives and Reformists group that the Commission would reinstate the post of chief scientific adviser (CSA). Asked by UK MEP Vicky Ford about the current situation regarding the role, fellow UK MEP Ian Duncan told EurActiv: “Timmermans said that there will be a CSA. I am very happy as it’s an important function”. The MEP said he had been investigating the future of the role since the announcement in November that the position of CSA would not perform a function in the new European Political Strategy Centre.

However, following the event, Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told EurActiv that Juncker “had not yet decided how to institutionalise this independent scientific advice” and the Commission’s position towards the role had not altered.