José Manuel Barroso, the newly re-elected European Commission president, has promised to review the use of scientific advice by the Commission. He has also announced that he will create a new post of Chief Scientist for Europe. The Chief Scientist will have “the power to deliver proactive, scientific advice throughout all stages of policy development and delivery”.

The commitment follows a campaign by John Beddington, the UK government’s chief scientist, and other research advocates, for the EU to have a scientific adviser who could act across the commission’s various directorates-general.

For further information, please see the Financial Times.