As food safety crises continue to afflict the western world - the most recent example being the discovery of a BSE-infected cow in Canada - how the powers that be actually communicate the news, and ensure transparency, to the public is of utmost importance. In Athens next week the European Commission will host a conference to tackle this very issue.
The conference, entitled 'scientific advice, crisis management and the media', will take place under the aegis of the EU Greek Presidency, on 9 and 10 June in Athens, Greece.
The main aim of the conference is to explore and discuss the most appropriate ways of communicating scientific advice to the public during times of crisis.
Scientists, journalists, representatives from civil society and policy makers who have experience in this field will be asked to examine current crisis training facilities in Europe.
The conference is being organised by the Hellenic centre for infectious disease control (HCIDC), in association with the Hellenic Ministry of Press and Mass Media and the European Commission's Research DG.
For further information contact Monique Septon (monique.septon@cec.eu.int) DG Research, European Commission.