Science dispute

Jim Nicholson has criticised the Commission’s decision to abolish the post of Chief Scientific Advisor. This followed previous assurances to MEPs that the post would continue in the new administration. The post is currently held by Scottish biologist Anne Glover and Nicholson noted that the Commission had been “provided with independent expert analysis and advice in relation to science, technology and innovation.” Glover will leave her post in January. It is understood that the decision is connected to her support for GM foods, which attracted criticism from environmentalists.