New EC chief scientist role 'opportunity'

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The creation of a post of European chief scientist will have mutual benefits for both Europe and Australia, the country's own chief scientific advisor Penny Sackett has said.

But writing in the July edition of Public Service Review: Science and Technology, she warns that the relationship between science and policy must be protected and nurtured for the incumbent to succeed.

"It is crucial that the evidence we use to support policy development is globally recognised and sound," said Sackett.

"Science is fast evolving and innovative, which means great benefits can accrue to those nations that act quickly. But it is important that policy be adaptive in return so that when new information comes to light our policies can be appropriately modified."

European Commission president Jose Manuel Barosso declared the creation of the post last September. The new appointment will have over-arching responsibility for delivering advice on European Commission policy decisions – ranging from health and energy to climate change.

Luke Georghiou, professor of science and technology at the University of Manchester said that the European chief scientist must enable policy makers to better anticipate future developments.

"The president's announcement indicates that the post will be concerned both with reacting to current challenges and with anticipating future developments with a scientific dimension that could impact upon policy."

"This horizon-scanning function is long-overdue at European level," he added.

The announcement of who will take up the post is thought to be imminent.