On October 1st, Professor Marion Koopmans, Scientific Director of the PDPC, participated in a Round Table Discussion organized by the Royal Holland Society of Sciences (KHMW) regarding the role of the Chief Science Officer and the associated dilemmas.

Participants in this round table discussion included:

• Dirk Smit, CSO at Shell
• Jan Kimpen, Chief Medical Officer at Philips
• Marion Koopmans, in addition to her role in the Outbreak Management Team (OMT), an advisor at the World Health Organization (WHO), and Head of the Viroscience department as well as Scientific Officer of the PDPC
• Marileen Dogterom, as President of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), unofficial CSO of the cabinet

With these four individuals, there were four very different perspectives at the table, representing both private and public sectors. During this round table discussion, the focus was on the dilemmas encountered by these individuals in presenting scientific facts for governmental decision-making. Each participant had the opportunity to share their own perspective and the associated dilemmas, followed by a discussion and an opportunity to answer questions from the audience.

The discussion was moderated by Louise J Gunning-Schepers.