The Scientific Advice Mechanism

The SAM includes two key components. • A High-level Group (HLG) of seven eminent scientists is appointed for a mandate of two and a half years renewable once. It reports to the Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, who in turn provides a link with the College of Commissioners. • A SAM secretariat within the Directorate-General (DG) for Research and Innovation offers the HLG operational support and facilitates its access to the best scientific evidence available. In order to improve the collection of scientific evidence and its transmission to the HLG, the Commission has provided for the establishment of a third component: the Science Advice for Policy by the European Academies (SAPEA) platform. This European level consortium of academy networks is expected to play a key role in providing the HLG with scientific evidence.