In the future, the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) will position itself even more strongly as an independent voice of science-based advice for policy makers. As of January 1, 2024, the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) will move its Secretariat to the OeAW, under the management of Georg Bërveniku-Brunner. The collaboration will be announced on at the Joint Academy Day on November 6, which the OeAW and EASAC will jointly hold at the Academy.
30 European science academies united
As a network of 30 European science academies, including one from each EU member state, EASAC has been producing high-quality reports and statements on current and relevant issues for more than 20 years. EASAC is the independent European voice of science and brings together Europe's best scientists to provide science-based advice to EU institutions, policy makers and civil society. EASAC reports are used as a science-based foundation for decision-making at national and European level across all party lines. The topics covered are primarily climate, energy, environment and health. Most recently, EASAC has published the highly acclaimed report "Future of Gas," which provides a realistic analysis of how decarbonised electricity and heat production can succeed. Another recent statement on "Deep-sea mining" warns of the environmental consequences of mining for mineral resources in the deep sea.
Policy advice for the benefit of Europe
OeAW President Heinz Faßmann says, "EASAC's high-level reports are an authoritative basis for science-based political decisions on difficult issues. The hosting of EASAC is a distinction for Austria and the city of Vienna, which is increasingly becoming an international center of basic research. The OeAW will be a reliable partner for EASAC's policy advice for the benefit of Europe. I am very much looking forward to the cooperation and to an interesting start at the Joint Academy Day."
EASAC President Prof. Wim van Saarloos comments, "The increasing spread of misinformation has an impact on the cohesion of our society and the political discourse. Our network of science academies aims to counteract this by working out scientific consensuses independently of any economic or political interests and making these findings available to policymakers. We are pleased to have gained a strong supporter for this task in the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The topic of our Joint Academy Day "Sustainable Energy" is the perfect starting point for our cooperation, since it poses immense challenges to the whole of Europe."
The EASAC Secretariat will be based at the OeAW at least until 2026. One of the next reports will deal with the increasing danger of forest fires in Europe. The upcoming Joint Academy Day is dedicated to the topical issue of "Solutions for Sustainable Energy Production".
