15 Years of EASAC: A Celebration of Science for Policy

A celebration of science for policy: Nobel Laureate, senior scientists, and policymakers celebrate the 15^th anniversary of the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council with public event in Oslo

On 11-12 May, The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters will welcome the public to a series of lectures in Oslo given by some of Europe’s preeminent scientists in celebration of the 15^th anniversary of the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC). The connection between science and policy – particularly the positive impact that science-based policies can have for societies – will be the central focus of this event. On this anniversary, EASAC welcomes the public to celebrate science-policy dialogue and the independent policy advice of Europe’s science academies.

The keynote speaker will be Nobel Laureate and neuroscientist Professor Edvard Moser, who will speak about his groundbreaking research on the brain’s mechanism for representing space. Professor William Sutherland of the University of Cambridge will discuss the art of providing science-based advice to policymakers. From government, the Norwegian Minister of Education and Research, Torbjørn Røe Isaksen, will speak as will Johannes Klumpers from DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission. Moreover, they will be joined by leading scientists from across Europe to explore societal issues—including marine sustainability, gain of function experiments in virology, electricity storage, and the impact of the use of neonicotinoids on ecosystem services—through the lens of science. There will be opportunities for questions throughout the event.

Please see full program for the anniversary event here.

Place:
The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters,
Drammensveien 78, 0271 Oslo

Time: 
Wednesday May 11, 17:00-19:00
Thursday May 12, 09:00- 13:30

Registration:
Please register for the event here by May 3, 2016

Background

EASAC is formed by the national science academies of the EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland, to collaborate in giving advice to European policy-makers. EASAC provides a means for the collective voice of European science to be heard. Through EASAC, the academies work together to provide independent, expert, evidence-based advice about the scientific aspects of European policies to those who make or influence policy within the European institutions. The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters will host the EASAC Council Meetings and the 15^th anniversary event in 2016.