Procedures

COGEM is an independent scientific advisory body. To safeguard its independence, impartiality, and scientific integrity, COGEM has established a number of procedures and rules.

Transparency

All activities and publications of COGEM are public, including the meetings of its subcommittees. COGEM publishes all its publications, including its advice, policy reports and research reports on its website. An exception to this is made when (requested) advisory reports contain information designated as confidential by the licensing authority. In addition, all information regarding permit applications submitted to the EMA, including requests for advice, is confidential.

Committee members

The members of COGEM are appointed based on their (scientific) expertise. Appointments are made on a personal basis and not as representatives of an organisation. COGEM aims for a balanced composition of the committee.

Integrity and conflicts of interest

Due to the necessary and desired expertise for COGEM, many members are active in the field of genetic modification. This could potentially lead to conflicts of interest. To prevent this, the following rules apply:

COGEM endorses the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity.

Members are excluded from decision-making on requests for advice on permit applications, etc., in which they are (in any way) involved, or on permits within their immediate professional environment. Upon appointment, members sign a Declaration of Integrity.

Transparency about possible conflicts of interest is essential. Members must therefore provide an (annually updated) overview of their ancillary activities, etc., which is published on the website.

On the basis of this overview, the chair of COGEM holds an interview with each committee member at the start of their membership (and thereafter as often as necessary) about ancillary activities or other interests that could compromise the independence of COGEM’s deliberations. If necessary, further agreements are made to prevent conflicts of interest.

The overview of ancillary activities covers both direct employers, secondary positions, research funding received, and personal financial interests. The members’ declarations of interest are accessible via the link below.

>Link to declarations of interest [In Dutch]

Minority opinions

The Environmental Management Act (Article 2.37) stipulates that recommendations are issued based on the majority of the committee. Any minority opinions raised must be included in or appended to the recommendations. COGEM has established procedures to ensure minority opinions are recorded in its recommendations.