Royal Society urges legislators to use scientific evidence

A timely reminder from the Royal Society that Googling is no substitute for a proper survey of the scientific literature. If you want a firm foundation of evidence then you should search using PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus and possibly other comprehensive databases of scientific literature. If you want any assistance, contact the Library.

The Royal Society, the UK's national academy of science, expressed its concern today (7 August 2006) that a prominent report which cites "internet searches" and "circumstantial anecdotes" as a basis for some of its recommendations could influence changes to EU legislation.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) report, produced by its Animal Health and Welfare panel at the request of the European Commission, is expected to inform the revision of EU Directive 86/609EEC on the protection of animals used in scientific research.

In a letter to the Environment Directorate General of the European Commission - the department leading on the revision of the Directive - the Royal Society expressed its concern, highlighting that key statements in the report, which potentially have important implications for the revision of the Directive, do not appear to be based on scientific data.

Full report on Royal Society website