On 26 and 27 March 2009, the new European Commission scientific committees on consumer, health and environmental risks held their inaugural plenary sessions. In their opening meeting, the three committees elected their Chairs and six Vice Chairs:
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
– Chair: Dr Ian R. White
– Vice Chairs: Professors Vera Rogiers and Tore Sanner
Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR)
– Chair: professor James Wilfrid Bridges
– Vice Chairs:Professor Philippe Hartemann and Dr Wim De Jong
Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER)
– Chair: Professor Helmut Greim
– Vice Chairs: Professor H. Autrup and Dr Jose V. Tarazona
In welcoming the Committees, Robert Madelin, Director General of the Health and Consumers Directorate General said "The role of independent scientific advice bodies for the EU decision making process is well established. Sound science is vital for providing policy makers with information to ensure the high level of health and environmental protection that European citizens expect from the EU institutions."
Each Scientific Committee has 17 independent scientists as members. If necessary, they can associate up to five members from a Pool of 190 scientific advisors, in order to provide specific expertise.
