WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2033/98 by Philippe MONFILS to the Commission. Duration of the ECVAM director's contract
C 135/8 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 14. 5. 1999 (1999/C 135/008) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1979/98 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Commission (30 June 1998) Subject: Appointment of the director of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternatives I have recently heard that the director of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternatives has been appointed for a period of only two years, whereas his term of office should normally be five years, as was recommended by the ECVAM’s advisory committee. What is the Commission’s opinion of this, and what academic credibility does it think a director can have who only holds his post for two years? (1999/C 135/009) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2033/98 by Philippe Monfils (ELDR) to the Commission Subject: Duration of the ECVAM director’s contract (7 July 1998) The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods established by the EU plays an important role in carrying out long-term validation studies. It would appear that the most recent contract for the post of director is not for the standard period of five years but is for two years only. Clearly, if managerial staff are replaced too frequently the continuity of work and the Centre’s scientific credibility are likely to be undermined. Does the Commission not consider that, in view of the above, it would be advisable to confirm the appointment of the Centre’s director for a period of 5 years? (1999/C 135/010) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2064/98 by Anne André-Léonard (ELDR) to the Commission (7 July 1998) Subject: ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods) The ECVAM Director’s term of office, which is normally five years, has been renewed only for a period of two years. Is such a decision on the part of certain authorities not likely to pose a threat to the future of this institution? Moreover, a two-year term of office is apparently inadequate for completing long-term validation studies. As a result the Centre will have limited credibility in scientific circles. At present the ECVAM comprises prominent experts in the field of validation of alternative methods. It would be regrettable to deprive the Centre of their experience and thus to jeopardize its very existence. Will the Commission inform us of the latest developments in this respect?