The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has published its annual report on pesticide residues in food. The study, which analysed some 88,000 samples in Europe found that 96% of food samples were found to be free of pesticide residues or to contain traces that fall within legally allowed levels. Two fun infographics have been prepared where you can check the results per food or per country. For the longer read, click here.
Study reveals that collaborative dynamics for research networks are on the rise between EU countries
A study in the Journal of European Planning Studies has shed light on the growing integration between EU countries on research networks. The study analysed the first four years of Horizon 2020 as well as its two predecessor programmes, the Sixth and Seventh Framework Programme. The findings suggest that EU-15 (older EU members) and EU-13 (newer EU members) have increased collaboration, with specific organisations fulfilling a ‘bridging function’. Nevertheless, EU-13 countries continue to be much more engaged in research activities within the programmes that are considered less complex. The study will likely boost views that the future framework programme Horizon Europe should play a greater role in encouraging cross-border collaboration and in bridging the innovation and research gap between EU member states. You can access the study online here.
Chemistry meets Industry and Society: A creative showcase conference Salerno
From 28 – 30 August 2019, chemists, researchers and industry representatives met in the Italian town of Salerno for a breakthrough-type international conference: a creative showcase conference which would explore the interactions between research, industry and society within the field of Chemistry. CIS 2019 aimed to differentiate itself from conventional scientific conferences, and undertook to encourage discussion on various interactions between all three sectors, and ultimately the process from which an idea can become an innovation within broader topics such as Energy, Health, Sustainability and Security.
EuChemS President Pilar Goya was invited to speak and welcome participants, and took the opportunity to present some of EuChemS’s latest activities and initiatives and how it too is taking part in such debates at a pan-European level.
The conference was organised by the Italian Chemical Society in collaboration with European Chemical Society (EuChemS), Federchimica (the Italian Federation of the chemical industry), Farmindustria (Italian Association of pharmaceutical companies) and the support of Italian Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM) and Italian Association of Science & Technology of Macromolecules (AIM).
Find out more about the event here.
‘Women in their Element’: new book sheds light on the role of women in the building of the Periodic Table
Edited by Brigitte van Tiggelen, Chair, and Annette Lykknes, Vice-Chair, of the EuChemS Working Party for the History of Chemistry, and including the work of several authors, ‘Women in their Element’ opens the door to the stories often forgotten or unstudied of how women shaped the Periodic Table and Chemistry as a whole. Coinciding both with the International year of the Periodic Table, and with a growing shift in attitudes in academia and in society over the role of women, the book provides its readers with a journey across time and challenges the stories we thought we knew. It moreover includes a preface by EuChemS President Pilar Goya, and IUPAC Past-President Natalia Tarasova. You can find out more about the book here.
Bulgaria’s Mariya Gabriel nominated as Commissioner for research, innovation and education
Under the title ‘Innovation and Youth’, Bulgaria’s Mariya Gabriel will take charge of a portfolio that covers research, innovation, education and sports, and which will include overseeing Horizon Europe, the future funding programme as well as the Erasmus+ programme. Whilst not a newcomer to EU politics – Gabriel was the previous Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, the large number of programmes and areas she will work on may prove challenging. Some organisations have also questioned the lack of the words ‘research’ or ‘science’ featuring in the job title, but others have pointed to the logical link with education. The appointment, announced by the recently elected European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will still need to be approved by the European parliament. Read more about the story here.
EuChemS responds to European Commission’s consultation on Horizon Europe Co-design 2021-2024
Following a provisional agreement by the European Parliament and the Council on the Horizon Europe package, the European Commission launched a ‘co-design’ consultation which intends to foster greater debate and encourage feedback from a variety of stakeholders and from citizens. The feedback received will be used to evaluate how Horizon Europe can better be targeted and what the future investment priorities should be.
EuChemS’ response to the consultation emphasises that Horizon Europe should continue to support excellence and international collaboration in order to best benefit Europe’s science and innovation base. Excellent discovery research is a vital component of a successful research and innovation sector and should remain a key focus of Horizon Europe’s Excellent Science pillar through instruments such as the European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. EuChemS has moreover underlined that need to enable broad third country participation to preserve and enhance international collaboration, just as has been successfully done in previous framework programmes.
Finally, EuChemS urges the EU and other international programmes to align in order to tackle the global challenges that we face. The overlap of the European Commission’s proposal for ‘Missions’ with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals illustrates the way international collaboration and alignment can help achieve progress on tackling today’s global challenges.
Next Committee meetings of the European Parliament
The first week in September will be a week for Committee meetings of the European Parliament.
For the ITRE Committee, follow the latest news here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/itre/home.html.
For the ENVI Committee, see http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/sl/ENVI/home.html.
For European Parliament 2019 calendar indicating plenary sessions, committee meetings and other activities, visit: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sed/doc/news/lookingaheadagenda/21361/Cal2019_en.pdf
European Parliament elects the Commission President
On 16 July, Ursula von der Leyen was elected to be the next European Commission President following a series of uncertain weeks of negotiations between the various European institutions and eventually the European Parliament’s vote in favour. It is the first time a woman will hold the position of President of the European Commission. In her agenda proposal for her candidacy, von der Leyen emphasised the central role research funding would play, most notably in establishing a European Green Deal and moving closer to climate-neutrality in Europe. You can read the European Parliament press release here and download von der Leyen’s agenda of political priorities here.
European Research Council Plans for 2020
In July, the European Research Council (ERC) announced its biggest ever annual injection of funding in blue-sky research. €2.2 billion will be made available in 2020 to support some 1100 top researchers. As in previous years, most of the funding (61%) is earmarked for early- to mid-career scientists and scholars. The funding will also support jobs for an estimated 8,000 postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and other research staff employed in ERC-funded teams. More information available here and here.
Chemical Industry is on the path to define “The European Way”
The European Chemical Industry Council’s (Cefic) President Daniele Ferrari stressed at the 100th anniversary of the International Union of Pure and Applied chemistry (IUPAC) in Paris, that the EU chemical industry needs to define “The European way”, notably the need to innovate towards circular models, leading on sustainability and being at the forefront of innovation in technologies.
Ferrari described the megatrends which will affect the world economy in the next decades. With a population set to increase by one billion by 2030, demand for manufactured goods and energy consumption will only grow. As more than 95% of all manufactured goods are touched by chemistry in some way, our sector has a leading role in responding to this growth, explained Ferrari. More information available here and here.
Horizon Europe: experts of the five major European research and innovation mission boards selected
End of July, the Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas, announced the names of the experts who have been selected as members of the mission boards to work on five major European research and innovation missions. The missions will be part of Horizon Europe, the next EU research and innovation programme (2021-2027).
Each mission board consists of 15 experts, including the Mission Board Chair. They will identify the first possible specific missions on cancer, climate change, healthy oceans, climate-neutral cities and healthy soil and food by the end of 2019. In addition, for each mission, an assembly will be established, gathering a larger number of high-level experts. The assemblies will provide an additional pool of ideas, knowledge and expertise that will be actively called upon to contribute to the success of the five missions. Find out more here.
Pesticides and bees
The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has outlined how it plans to review its guidance on the risk assessment of pesticides and bees in the EU. More regular consultations with stakeholders and pesticide experts from EU Member States will take place throughout the process. A full public consultation and workshop will take place when the document has been drafted. Read more about this here.
EU Chemicals latest
On 22 June, the European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment on which EuChemS sits, met in order to discuss the increasing list of topics that the EU agency is looking at. From authorisations, restrictions and decisions on harmonised classification of substances, it is clear that the agency’s role and scope of action is growing. During the meeting, the topic of microplastics took centre stage, with discussions focusing on how to properly classify microplastics, analyse health risks and on the best ways forward. It was recognised during the meeting that the literature on microplastics is growing rapidly, with many studies concerned with reporting the occurrence, concentration and characterisation (for example, the composition, morphology and properties) of microplastics in different environmental locations. Only more recently has the literature shifted to studying the hazard and risk posed by different types of microplastics to the environment and to human health. ECHA is currently preparing a dossier with a proposal to restrict intentionally added microplastics in products from which they will inevitably be released into the environment.
On 27 and 28 June, policymakers, scientists and representatives from associations and industry attended the EU conference on EU Chemicals Policy 2030, which aimed, through panel discussions and interactive thematic sessions, to lay out the central aspects of the EU’s chemical policy in the coming years. The development of REACH, the EU regulation for the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals, was praised for its having become an established and comprehensive framework that is now being seriously considered by non-EU countries such as the United States. Further information on the high-level conference together with speakers’ presentations are available online here.
Finland begins EU Presidency
Finland began its third EU Presidency this month following the six-month Presidency of Romania. The Presidency, responsible for taking forward the Council of the European Union’s work on EU legislation and policy initiatives, also sets a programme that both ensures continuity of the EU agenda whilst focusing on specific areas.
Finland has chosen the motto of ‘Sustainable Europe, sustainable future’ and has set priorities linked to strengthening the EU’s position as a global leader in climate action. The Presidency will moreover coincide with the finalisation of the negotiations surrounding the entire multiannual financial framework (MFF) which includes the budget for Horizon Europe, the next EU research framework programme. Finland aims to encourage an ambitious programme that will enable the EU to be at the forefront of a competitive and excellence-based research framework. You can consult the Finnish Presidency of the EU here.
Post-elections Brussels update
With the European Parliament political groups now formed, Members of the Parliament (MEPs) divided themselves into the different Committee groups (groups that specialise in more specific policy topics). The Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE), which played an important role in the formulation of the next EU research programme Horizon Europe, has retained many of the leading MEPs on the dossier, including Dan Nica and Christian Ehler as well as Jerzy Buzek. The ITRE Committee also elected its new chair, the Romanian centre-right MEP Adina-Ioana Vălean, who had chaired the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee (ENVI) in the last parliament. The continued involvement of politicians that understand and support greater funding for and focus on EU science may ensure that the Parliament’s stance on a more ambitious budget than proposed by the European Commission remains untouched. Find your MEPs in the ITRE Committee here.
Chemists from across the world celebrate IUPAC centenary
A week-long event combined the 47th IUPAC Congress, the IUPAC General Assembly, and the celebrations of its 100-year anniversary. Taking place in the Paris Congress Centre, the conference mixed plenary talks, a large number of varied parallel sessions, awards, and featured a poster area and stand exhibition – where Nobel laureates and aspiring chemists were able to discuss and share their ideas.
A EuChemS exhibition stand enabled participants to come and talk to our team, better understand the goals and activities of EuChemS and to find out more about upcoming events and projects. On display was of course the EuChemS Periodic Table depicting element scarcity, which sparked discussions and debates over the meaning of our use of elements in our smartphones and everyday technologies. We were also pleased to see some Nobel prize winners visit the booth, who were later invited by our young chemists’ network, the EYCN, for interviews.
The centenary celebrations looked at the rich history of IUPAC’s beginnings and later development, and invited attendees to think about the future, and what chemistry can do to provide solutions to the myriad challenges our world faces. More about the event here, or check out the #IUPAC2019Paris hashtag on Twitter for a taster of all the event had to offer!
During the congress, Presidents and representatives of Chemical Societies from across the globe signed a Joint Framework Agreement on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Pilar Goya, EuChemS President signed the document on behalf of the European Chemical Society. The agreement, in recognition of the role the chemical sciences can play in addressing global challenges, aims to encourage and commit chemical societies around the world to
cooperate in identifying solutions, locally and globally, using the SDGs as a guide, to such challenges. Solving such complex and multidimensional issues will indeed require the collaboration and joint effort between governments, industry, academia and non-governmental organisations. You can read more about it here.
EuChemS Historical Landmarks Award unveiled on the island of Crete
On 25 and 26 June, Chania, on the Greek island of Crete, witnessed the unveiling of the first regional EuChemS Historical Landmarks Award plaque, awarded to the industrial complex of ABEA. The site was to become in the 19th century, through the spectacular contribution of chemistry, a major player in the regional development of the island through the making of soaps derived from olive oil.
The unveiling ceremony took place by the old factory (ABEA, which is still active 130 years later has relocated to more modern facilities), the site of which is dominated by its old brick chimneys. Over 100 people attended the ceremony, many of which were chemists and ABEA staff. Representatives from EuChemS, including Vice-President David Cole-Hamilton and Secretary General Nineta Hrastelj attended the event, as well as representatives from the Association of Greek Chemists, ABEA, and local officials. Alongside several speakers, Nasos Papadopoulos, President of the Association of Greek Chemists’ President and Past President Triantafyllia Sideri welcomed guests and presented the site and the rich history tied to it. David Cole-Hamilton in turn presented the Awards’ goals and aims.
The industrial complex was awarded the 2018 EuChemS Historical Landmarks Award at the regional level following the recommendations of the Landmark Selection Committee and the decision of the EuChemS Executive Board.
EuChemS put in place a Historical Landmarks Award programme in order to recognise and celebrate European sites that have a central role in the history of chemistry, whether at a European level or regionally. The first awardee of the programme, Ytterby mine in Sweden, was presented with the EuChemS plaque in April 2019.
Read more about the history of the ABEA industrial complex here.
EU-wide survey on Europeans’ concerns for food safety published
On the first ever World Food Safety Day, a new Eurobarometer survey by EFSA (the European Food Safety Agency) was published. The survey looked at how European citizens think about food safety, what their concerns are, and how it impacts their consumption.
Interestingly, there was no one single over-riding safety concern. Instead, Europeans cited a number of issues, of which three surfaced most frequently: the misuse of antibiotics, hormones and steroids in farm animals, pesticide residues in food, and food additives. Moreover, two in five Europeans take a personal interest in food safety, while only one in five say it is their main concern when choosing food. Other factors such as price, taste, nutrition and food origin especially, play important role in influencing and determining eating habits. The concerns over GMOs which a few years ago were particularly discussed are less prominent today, whereas new issues such as the trace of microplastics in food have appeared. The figures also reveal important differences across EU countries.
In a positive turn, 82% of Europeans place their highest level of trust in scientists when it comes to information on food risks. This is an increase from 73% in 2010, and comes before trust in consumer organisations, farmers, national authorities and European Union institutions.
You can read EFSA’s summary here, or delve more thoroughly into the exciting figures here.
World Environmental Day focuses on ways to reduce the health threat of air pollution
On 5 June 2019 we celebrated the United Nations World Environment Day, aimed an encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. Organised since 1974, the day focuses around a specific theme to draw attention to a particularly pressing environmental concern, with this year looking at air pollution. The day asked citizens worldwide to think about the different types of pollution, how it affects our health and environment, and ways of tackling issues and improving the air around us.
Interested in types of atmospheric pollutants? Compound Interest shared a helpful and brief visual guide.
EU ministers adopt rule to ban some single use plastics
The proposal put forward by the European Commission last year to ban 10 plastic items most often found on European beaches, and which was adopted by the European Parliament, has now been officially adopted by EU ministers. The new rules, which also aim to tackle abandoned fishing gear and oxo-degradable plastics, focus on items such as plastic cutlery, plates and straws – all of which have alternatives that can be made easily available and affordable. Read the European Council press release here.
EU Elections – what does it mean for science?
Following the results of the EU elections, we take stock of what to expect for science in Europe for the next few years. Some of the main figureheads of the planning and design of Horizon Europe have been re-elected, including MEP Dan Nica of Romania and Germany’s MEP Christian Ehler, which may suggest some continuity in the planning.
So, what happens now that the EU elections are over? Until early July, newly elected Members of the Parliament will form political groups. At the same time, the European Council will discuss possible candidates for the presidency of the European Commission, which will then be proposed to the European Parliament in July for an election by majority of its component members. EU countries then have September and October to designate commissioners, with the inauguration of the new European Commission planned for November this year. During this time, the European Parliament’s Committees (such as the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI)) will be formed with the aim of working on ‘paused’ legislation from the outgoing Parliament and on new files. Take a look at this handy European Parliament graphic to better understand the timeline, and read Science/Business’ pertinent analysis of what the election results mean here.
Chemistry for the future of Europe
How will European countries successfully compete with the research and innovation capacity of such countries as the United States or China? How can European science best be supported and encouraged? What role can Chemistry play in shaping the EU’s next research framework programme Horizon Europe? EuChemS’ Science Communication & Policy Officer Alex Schiphorst delves into these questions in a recent article published in Open Access Government.
EuChemS Executive Board meets in Brussels
The EuChemS Executive Board met on 13 – 14 June in Brussels for two days of active discussions on a broad range of topics, including the latest debates and news on Plan S and the Open Science Policy Platform (OSPP), as well as on the activities taking place in light of the International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT2019). Jan Reedijk, co-chair of the InterUnion Management Committee IYPT2019, joined the meeting to present some of the initiatives held so far and those still to come. The Board also welcomed the EYCN’s new Chair, Antonio M Rodriguez Garcia to his first Executive Board meeting (where he was accompanied by the EYCN’s adopted mascot, professor Chem Chicken). The Executive Board in turn discussed persisting issues linked to gender balance within the sciences amongst other topics. Finally, discussions focused on the next EuChemS Chemistry Congress to be held in Lisbon, Portugal in 2020.
EuChemS attends latest Open Science Policy Platform meeting
EuChemS attended the 3rd meeting of the second mandate of the Open Science Policy Platform (OSPP), an Expert Group that advises the European Commission on how to develop open science policy, and on which EuChemS is represented) in April in Bucharest, Romania. Discussions during this third meeting focused on the changing scholarly publishing landscape and whether and how the OSPP should look beyond the remit of its mandate. Representatives in turn deliberated on solutions to move from a “reflection mode” to an “implementation mode” that would provide the European Commission with a clearer set of steps forward.
OSPP members were also invited to submit feedback on the report on the future of scholarly communications prepared by the Expert Group. EuChemS published a position paper which highlights its views on what lies ahead, what role Learned Societies can and will play, and how stakeholder cooperation and dialogue will be crucial to encourage a sustainable and quality scholarly communications landscape.
The next OSPP meeting will take place in October 2019 in Helsinki, Finland, where, amongst a range of topics, the role of open science in the Horizon Europe research framework programme will be discussed.
Plan S: updated guidelines published, EuChemS responds
Following the analysis of some 600 responses to the call for feedback on the Plan S implementation guidelines, cOAlition S (a coalition of funders with the aim of pushing through a rapid transition to open access publishing) has published its updated implementation guidelines.
The main change is that the plan is now set to be implemented in 2021 rather than 2020. But many scientists and researchers remain concerned that the changes have not gone far enough to alleviate remaining worries.
EuChemS has acknowledged the work that has been done in order to evaluate the large amount of feedback received. However, many issues continue to persist, most notably the fact that cOAlition S’ stance on other forms of journals as well as on embargo periods has not changed. EuChemS is moreover concerned that the points of view of Learned Societies has not been taken into enough consideration or invited to play a greater role in the debate. Read our full response here.
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