The announcement yesterday of the pledge by Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Union Commission, to establish an EU Chief Scientist was welcomed by Professor Penny Sackett, Chief Scientist for Australia.

• 18 September 2009

The announcement yesterday of the pledge by Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Union Commission, to establish an EU Chief Scientist was welcomed by Professor Penny Sackett, Chief Scientist for Australia.

Professor Sackett was appointed in November 2008 to be Australia’s full time Chief Scientist, with an expanded role centred on the provision of independent science advice to the Government.

“I am encouraged by this announcement as it is a strong signal that the EU acknowledges the vital role science should play in informing policy,” Professor Sackett said.

“Australia is not alone in facing complex or so called ‘wicked’ problems, such as sustainable development in the face of climate change or the health and well being of its citizens with a growing, but ageing population.  Such problems require a comprehensive and integrated effort to address.

“Science will play an essential role in providing the evidence necessary to inform robust policy decisions in addressing these problems.

“The global nature of these challenges means that we need to coordinate our actions with other countries, and the establishment of an EU Chief Scientist will facilitate this process.  I look forward to engaging with the new EU Chief Scientist upon her or his appointment,” Professor Sackett said.

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Media Contact: Rebecca Richter, Office of the Chief Scientist
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