New recruits to the Scientific Steering Committee
The European Commission has announced the new appointees of the Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) and the eight specialised scientific committees. The scientific committees are responsible for advising the European Commission on issues related to consumer safety and public health. They were created in the current format in 1997 in response to the BSE crisis. Professor Gérard Pascal will continue to chair the SSC, with Professor Albert Osterhaus and Vittorio Silano as co-chairs. A total of 151 independent scientists out of the 483 who applied to the open call have been appointed. The principle of a three-year mandate will be continued for the new members although it may be adjusted in line with progress made in setting up the European Food Authority. The responsibility for scientific advice in the area of food safety is to be transferred to the Authority as soon as it becomes operational.