Opportunities to apply for membership of influential Scientific Advisory Committees
Members have the opportunity join a number of influential groups which provide independent, impartial advice to the Government on pesticides.
The Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP), which provides advice to Government on the science relating to pesticides including on approval and authorisation, is making appointments for a wide range of posts, including a new Chair.
As Chair of the ECP, which is a Defra Scientific Advisory Committee, this person will have the unique opportunity to help support the development of the GB regulatory regime and shape the role of independent scientific advice in the regime by working closely with senior figures, including Defra’s Chief Scientific Advisor and advisors in the Devolved Governments.
Where current members have completed their maximum length of service, the ECP is also looking to appoint members with expertise in toxicology, ecotoxicology, and dietary exposure and residues
More opportunities
Up to 10 experts are being sought to join a newly-formed ECP biopesticides cloud, a group which will be made up of experts with specialist knowledge in a variety of areas relevant to biopesticides.
Specialist areas are to include Baculovirus – species/transmission, Semiochemicals, Plant extracts, Viruses/virology, Fungi, Bacteria and Microbials (infectivity, pathogenicity and persistence).
Advice will be sought from the biopesticides cloud by government on an ad hoc basis when required outside of the normal routine of ECP meetings.
Meanwhile, Defra is seeking two new members of the Expert Committee on Pesticides in Food (PriF), which provides independent advice to the government on a monitoring programme that checks food and drink in the UK for traces of pesticide Residues.
Prospective members must have expertise in areas which the Committee does not currently have to increase the capacity and capability of the group.
The required areas of expertise are human health risk communicator and products of animal origin.
How to apply
Anyone interested is encouraged to register for the information webinar and Q&A session on 17 May, 11:00-12:30.
Further information is available in the attached PDF. Email the Committee Recruitment Team ([email protected]) for an application pack.
Applications close at midday on 16 June 2023.
Author
Hazel Doonan
Hazel is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for management and coordination of the Crop Protection Sector.
