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The aims of the European Chapter include promoting the translation of research findings into timely and effective policy with an emphasis on policy at the European Union or wider European level and occasionally national issues.
The European Chapter in its strategic plan identifies broad areas of expertise and need for policy action in environmental health in order to map out the most effective way for ISEE Europe to contribute to better decisions on environmental health. We have identified three broad areas: air pollution, climate change; and urban planning including environmental noise. We identify issues and opportunities to influence policy in each of these areas. While the plan is designed to be a clear path forward for the European Chapter in the coming years, in order to be as responsive as possible to the emerging needs of our ISEE members and others, we have built in the flexibility to anticipate and act on the unanticipated. The European Chapter regularly updates its strategic plan after consulting with ISEE members, and the wider community. ISEE Europe members and others are encouraged to highlight topically relevant research or policies to the European Chapter. This can be done via the ISEE Europe website or by contacting a member of the European Chapter. In politics, timing is everything. There are various ways to influence decision-making processes. The European Chapter organizes high-level timely meetings and workshops, develops research briefs, writes letters to the European Commission, engages in strategic meetings, and conferences, builds strong relationships with policy makers, researchers, NGO’s and others, briefs the media, among other activities. Please look at our website and newsletters for updates on our work in the various areas. The European Chapter works on behalf of ISEE Europe (i.e., not just members of the European Chapter) and may do so in Europe on behalf of ISEE as a whole, subject to the approval of the main ISEE Council. The European Chapter liaises with ISEE’s Policy Committee to seek a consistent position for ISEE as a whole, where appropriate. We firmly believe we are stronger together and therefore we work actively to align, strengthen and collaborate with relevant organizations in Europe and beyond on an ad-hoc and ongoing basis. We work closely together with the European Respiratory Society, WHO Regional Office in Bonn, WHO Headquarters, Health Effects Institute, HEAL and many others. Please reach out to us if you want to collaborate with us. |