Beginning in the autumn, the European Commission will receive advice on scientific policy from a panel of seven senior scientists instead of a single chief scientific advisor. This change, developed by EU Research Commissioner Carlos Moedas, is an effort to resolve conflict over who is best suited to advise the EU on potentially controversial matters, such as GMOs and stem cell research. According to Mr. Moedas, a selection committee of three or four people will “go around the world” to choose panel members. The panel will meet on a part-time basis, its members remaining at their current positions. The budget for the group has not been revealed. In addition to instituting the new panel, the Commission will take advantage of the expertise of Europe’s national academies.

Source: ScienceBusiness