Adam Izdebski appointed to the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission
The Group of Chief Scientific Advisors provides independent scientific advice and policy recommendations to the European Commission, informing decision-making and impacting EU legislation
Prof. Adam Izdebski, leader of the Palaeo-Science & History independent research group at the Max Planck Institue of Geoanthropology, is one of seven leading scientists appointed to the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission (the Group). Part of the Scientific Advice Mechanism, the Group provides independent scientific evidence and policy advice on a wide range of subjects, from climate change to new technologies.
Izdebski is a human ecologist and environmental historian. His interdisciplinary research interests cover climate change, pandemics, biodiversity, and the interaction of economic development and ecological dynamics in the last few thousand years. His recent work includes examinations of historical pandemics and climate change, and the historical trends that shaped – and were shaped by – such events.
“Whereas the historical dimension of the multiple ecological crisis we are facing today is critical to designing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies, my future work in the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors will rely more on the interdisciplinary experience I gained by leading teams consisting of scientists coming from a variety of academic disciplines. The Group’s role is to be honest brokers of scientific evidence, acting as interface between the European Commission and several external experts and academic institutions that can provide in-depth evidence on specific topics. It is more about science communication – with the Commissioners, but also with other scientists – rather than promoting our own research or expertise,” says Izdebski.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Izdebski has been actively engaging in several science for policy initiatives. He co-founded a policy network of environmental historians and organized several webinars and plenary events on science for policy for this community. He was also involved in direct scientific advice to policymakers: to the Directorates-General of the European Commission (co-chairing an expert group on Biodiversity and Pandemics) and to the Members of the European Parliament (through the Biodiversity Task Force of the European Geoscience Union).
Izdebski’s appointment to the Group begins on 16 May 2025 and will last for a period of three years. During that time, he will work closely with the other Chief Scientific Advisors to provide advice in response to requests from the European Commission.
