EU eliminates chief science adviser position

BBC : Jean-Claude Juncker, the new president of the European Commission, has decided to close the Bureau of European Policy Advisers, which includes the EU Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA). The position has been filled since 2012 by Anne Glover, the former chief scientist of Scotland. Glover had faced criticism for her support of genetically modified organisms in agriculture, and several groups opposing her wrote a letter to Juncker asking him to eliminate the CSA position. British members of the European Parliament have spoken out against Juncker’s decision, which they said came after he promised he would maintain the office. They also raised concerns that the EU will no longer have access to scientific advice necessary to make decisions on a wide range of political issues. However, there are rumors that Juncker may select a panel of new advisers covering a range of topics.