Commission network to boost role of EU scientific knowledge in policy-making
The European Commission is to launch a pilot scheme to help tap into Europe's scientific resources by creating a European scientific advice e-network in support of EU and national policies. The SINAPSE (scientific information advice for policy support in Europe) network aims to bring together a pool of high level experts, including scientists, public authorities, research councils and non-governmental organisations from both Member and Candidate States, to share their expertise and opinions on an ad-hoc, voluntary basis. Yves Dumont, a scientific officer in the 'Relations with scientific advisory bodies' unit of the Commission's Science and Society directorate, who works on the SINAPSE project, said that work is beginning on the initiative now and a test version is expected to be operational in under a year. Mr Dumont, writing in the IPTS report, said that the net-based network will help to broaden the knowledge base available to decision-makers by increasing the range and diversity of experts and making it easier for scientists who may have busy schedules to play a part in the advisory process. He said that the network aims to provide a 'human' interface for experts who wish to make a contribution, which will 'make them feel part of the process.' SINAPSE aims to create a voluntary, multi-disciplinary and user-friendly network, with the flexibility to respond to emerging events. While the network will potentially be at the disposal of all Commission services, it is unlikely to become the only Commission-wide scientific advice network. Mr Dumont explained that although many services have offered both formal and informal advice on scientific matters for several years, SINAPSE will complement these services and broaden the range and flexibility of this expertise. SINAPSE's brief will include several main roles. It will create and maintain a database of available scientific advice and opinions issued in Europe and elsewhere. The database will provide a comprehensive information source and enhance the dissemination of scientific advice across Europe. The network will also provide external scientific advice, opinions and information at the Commission's request. This informal consultation process will be carried out on a case-by-case basis. In addition, SINAPSE will be called upon to provide voluntary early warnings on scientific issues which require the attention of public authorities in Europe. The network will also provide a secure communication tool allowing experts in different fields to exchange thoughts and information with or without the involvement of the Commission services. While membership and use of SINAPSE will be free, contributors will be required to register with a profile of their expertise.