Call for Nominations: Neonicotinoids and Ecosystem Services (Environment Programme)

Project aim

The project has the following main tasks

• update evidence on ecosystem effects of neonicotinoids and equivalent systemic insecticides, including ecosystem impacts and impacts on human health
• evaluate the role of such insecticides (if any) in Integrated Pest Management and in accordance with the EU Directive on Sustainable Use of Pesticides
• address system wide issues for the use of pesticides arising from the EU’s Green Deal, Common Agricultural Policy, Biodiversity Strategy etc.

Expert group

The last expert (working) group, which compiled this 2015 report, was targeted at examining the ecosystem effects. This is still a relevant field of expertise, but in addition EASAC is looking for more expertise in agricultural practice and use of pesticides, with a particular focus on experts in Integrated Pest Management and/or organic farming. This would seek experts from the agricultural sciences as well as the original fields of toxicology, pollinators and other ecosystem services. The literature shows that several national reviews of the application of PM have been carried out in member states, and these will be reviewed to see if they suggest particularly valuable experts from academies.

To express an interest in being nominated to this new EASAC project by the Royal Irish Academy, please submit a CV and a letter outlining your suitability to policy@ria.ie by midday on 12 January 2022.

About EASAC

EASAC is formed by the national science academies of the EU Member States, Norway, Switzerland and UK, to collaborate in giving advice to European policy-makers. EASAC provides a means for the collective voice of European science to be heard. Through EASAC, the academies work together to provide independent, expert, evidence-based advice about the scientific aspects of European policies to those who make or influence policy within the European institutions. Drawing on the memberships and networks of the academies, EASAC accesses the best of European science in carrying out its work. Its views are vigorously independent of commercial or political bias, and it is open and transparent in its processes. EASAC aims to deliver advice that is comprehensible, relevant and timely.