Europe to get chief science adviser, new climate comissioner

“We need a fundamental review of the way European institutions access and use scientific advice,"said European Commission president José Manuel Barroso in an speech yesterday to the European Parliament.

Barroso promised to set up two new science positions: a chief scientific adviser, and a commissioner for climate action , “to reflect the fact that climate change is a challenge that needs to be addressed across the whole range of our policies....[and] send an important signal to the world that, independent of the level of ambition that comes out of Copenhagen, Europe is serious about maintaining momentum for action.”

Currently the EU has research commissioner Janez Potočnik to guide Europe’s research budget, but Potočnik’s role does not—unlike US science adviser John Holdren—help shape policy on issues such as climate change or health issues across the commission, only the opportunity to vote and speak on it in final committee.

The new proposed European science adviser will have “the power to deliver proactive, scientific advice throughout all stages of policy development and delivery. This will reflect the central importance I attach to research and innovation,” said Barroso.

Paul Guinnessy