Brussels, 01 July 2002
Metropolis, a network of 38 scientific institutions from 17 countries active in the field of environmental control and metrology, will address European environmental and sustainable development issues in an interdisciplinary way.
Over the next two years, one of the main goals of EU-funded research is to provide European law-makers with sound and objective data upon which to base their policies. Supporting policies with well-designed and applied research activities leads to effective legislation that addresses the concerns and needs of Europe's citizens.
With this in mind, the European Commission's Research DG is funding a thematic network called Metropolis (Metrology in support of precautionary sciences and sustainable development policies). This network provides scientific expertise and advice to those in charge of developing and implementing environmental policies. The EC's Environment DG has already taken up close contact with Metropolis and intends to make use of the services offered by the multidisciplinary network.
Network launch
Metropolis will base its work around six work packages, focusing on themes such as biomonitoring techniques, analytical chemistry, and data transfer and model-making. One of the work packages will deal specifically with quality assurance and control - making the measurement of environmental factors meaningful. Another will deal with promoting mutual confidence between the science world, policy-makers and the general public.
The consortium of scientific institutions involved have plans to develop the project into a Network of Excellence under the Sixth Framework Programme. If successful, it is hoped this network will result in a comprehensive tool to support the implementation of European environmental strategies. Metropolis will be officially launched at a meeting in Brussels on July 5 attended by Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin and Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström.
Press Launch of Metropolis Network:
Friday, 5 July 2002, 10:00 - 11:00
CLORA premises, 47 rue Montoyer, Brussels
Contact: eddie.maier@cec.eu.int
More information: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/grow th/gcc/ga03.html
DG Research
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/research/index_en.html