The Society of Biology has defended the position of Chief Scientific Advisor to the President of the European Commission following an appeal from environmental NGOs.

On 22nd July, nine representatives from environmental NGOs wrote to the President elect of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, asking him to 'scrap the position' of Chief Scientific Advisor.

Along with ten other organisations with a commitment to improving the evidence available to policy makers, we have written a letter to Mr Juncker in support of the position and of independent scientific evidence in policy making.

This role is of fundamental value to improving the use of evidence in policy making. The letter objects to any attempt to undermine the integrity and independence of scientific advice received at the highest level of the European Commission. It also defends the record of Professor Anne Glover in having delivered impartial and rigorous advice as she is mandated to do.

A long list of Individuals have also added their support, and there is still a chance to do so.