• H2020
• Policy & Research

Science Europe, the association of major European research funding and performing organisations, has welcomed the European Commission’s intention to create a scientific advice mechanism (SAM).

The new SAM, announced by the Commission last week, follows a review by the European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas, on how to ensure the EU institution receives the best scientific advice. In a statement, Science Europe commented it was “pleased” that the Commission acknowledges the “need” for independent scientific advice, yet the body said it was important to ensure that any advice structure should not be “too complex to be truly effective”.

“In order to fulfil its vital function, there will need to be a very clear mandate for the SAM and a clear definition of its role within the scientific advice structures that already exist, including the Joint Research Centre,” says Science Europe.

“Crucially, there must also be absolute clarity about who are the recipients of its advice, and it will need the autonomy and necessary support to provide advice on all relevant matters and at all times, not only on the basis of explicit requests or demand by the recipients.”

The organisation added: “It is essential that it is a recognisable voice, with the ability to express unambiguous scientific opinion and with the independence to be a dissenting voice when needed.”

Science Europe said it had “long advocated the need for evidence-based policy making as one of the guiding principles of the European institutions and to ensure that policies respond to societal challenges and to the needs of citizens”, adding that it was important to “provide decision makers with a sound basis” when taking decisions regarding scientific research.

The statement ended: “Science Europe looks forward to continuing collaboration with the European Commission and with the new scientific advisory mechanism in order to ensure that science gets the support and resources it deserves to accomplish its vital role.”

The organisation was established in 2011 to promote the collective interest of its members and to foster collaboration between them.