Brussels, 05/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, on Monday 5 December, appointed the Commission's first Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Anne Glover. Professor Glover will provide high-level, independent scientific advice throughout all stages of policy development and delivery. She will provide advice directly to the president, and will give regular updates on major scientific and technological developments.
“I am delighted to appoint Professor Anne Glover to the post of Chief Scientific Adviser. I believe her outstanding background and calibre will bring invaluable expertise to the Commission. She has a strong track record in leading the Scottish Science Advisory Committee which made her the standout candidate for this post”, said Barroso.
The Commission president announced his intention to appoint a Chief Scientific Adviser in a speech to the European Parliament on 15 September 2009, and has personally interviewed a number of candidates for the post. Professor Glover will report directly to the president. Administrative support to the Chief scientific Advisor will be provided by the Bureau of European Policy Advisors (BEPA).
The functions of the Chief Scientific Advisor will be as follows: - to provide independent expert advice on any aspect of science, technology and innovation as requested by the president; - on request by the president, to provide analysis and opinion on major policy proposals being submitted to the College of Commissioners touching upon issues of science, technology and innovation; in particular the Chief Scientific Adviser will provide authoritative guidance on interpretation of scientific evidence in presence of uncertainty, and will be involved in strategic emergency planning; - to build relationships with high-level advisory groups (e.g. European Research Area Board), the scientific committees of the Commission, the EU agencies (European Medicine Agency, European Food Safety Authority, the European Chemicals Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies; - to build relationships with similar structures in member states and other countries; - to advise on novel science, technology and innovation issues arising both in the context of the EU and internationally; - to serve as an early warning conduct point on issues that might arise when scientific progress entails either opportunity or threat for the EU; - to communicate the scientific values on which specific Commission proposals are based in order to enhance public confidence in science and technology, and in general to promote European culture of science and technology widely within Europe and abroad.