Science advice: what works in a crisis?

2020’s Covid-19 outbreak has shone the spotlight on science advice like never before. How well are Europe’s science advice frameworks standing up to this major stress test?

In 2019, the European Commission undertook a review of best practice in science advice, publishing major reports by the Joint Research Centre and the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, together with a comprehensive evidence review by the consortium of Europe’s academies, SAPEA. More recently, the Advisors and the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies have issued a joint statement on science advice during the coronavirus pandemic, together with Peter Piot, special advisor to the President of the European Commission.

In this 90-minute online seminar, chief science advisors, experts and staff of the European Commission will reflect on how effectively Europe is rising to the challenge and what lessons can be learned for the future. They will share practical experiences of giving science advice in the face of unprecedented complexity, uncertainty and public visibility during the outbreak; as well as how best to apply science advice frameworks and practices to secure greater resilience in the aftermath of Covid-19.

Speakers

• Pearl Dykstra, Deputy Chair, European Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors
• Ortwin Renn, Chair of the SAPEA Working Group on Making Sense of Science for Policy
• David Mair, Head of Unit, Joint Research Centre
• Christiane Woopen, Chair of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies
• Janusz Bujnicki, recent member of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors; currently member of the scientific advisory board on COVID-19 to the Polish government
• Tarmo Soomere, European Science Advisors’ Forum

The online seminar will be moderated by Professor Ole Petersen, Vice-President of Academia Europaea, and hosted by SAPEA.

Further Information and registration