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05 Dec, 2011

Assessing and Strengthening the interface between

Science and EU Environment Policy– Project introduction

On 15/16 September 2011 in Brussels the Environment Directorate General - "Defining practical solutions for

strengthening the European science and environment policy interface" workshop was held.

The following brief summarises the workshop;

Background

Solid scientific evidence is needed to underpin EU environment policy, so that the necessary changes

in the state of the environment can be delivered. The complexity of the environment, as well as

emerging trends in the way that policy is managed and public demand for full and transparent

information, all suggest that a stronger scientific foundation for environment policy is needed.

"Science and research are the very basis of our environment policy... and to strengthen environment

policy, as I want to do, we need of course to ensure that our decisions are based on the best and most

reliable scientific data". Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik in International Innovation -

Analysis exclusive, May 2011.

Project objective and tasks

The aim of this study is to provide guidance for a future EU environment policy-making framework,

reinforcing the way in which science is acquired and deployed as policy is developed and

implemented.

The study will provide some of the ‘building blocks’ to enable the Commission to access the best

possible scientific evidence in support of environment policy. Project tasks include the following:

• Analysis of the scientific evidence used and science knowledge gaps in 10 key policy areas

deemed to have the highest potential to benefit from an improved science / environment policy

interface throughout the policy making cycle.

• In-depth survey and assessment of how policy-makers consult with scientific advisers, through a

review of methods and practices at international, national and regional levels. These case studies

will support an analysis of what works best, to inform science / policy development in the

Commission. It should also help generate or strengthen links with a range of knowledge

providers.

• A workshop, bringing together scientists and policy experts involved in integrating science into

policy (i.e. within ministries, public authorities), to explore best practices and synergies aiming to

strengthen the science / environment policy interface.

• Recommendations on how the Commission can best engage with work already underway aiming

to improve the science and environment policy interface.

Project experts

Two consultancies, Milieu Ltd in Brussels and Collingwood Environmental Planning (CEP) Ltd in

London, have been commissioned to carry out this study for the Environment Directorate General of

the Commission.

Further information:

Dr. Karen Fabbri

Chief Scientist Research and Innovation Unit (F4)

DG Environment, European Commission

1049-Brussels, Belgium

Email: karen.fabbri@ec.europa.eu

Tony Zamparutti, Milieu Ltd   zamparutti@milieu.be

Owen White, CEP Ltd  o.white@cep.co.uk

1 http://www.research-europe.com/magazine/PREVIEW/ENVIRONMENT/MAY10/pageflip.html