The general objective of this project is to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of science advice for health across Europe. Science advice is any recommendation for policy action based on scientific knowledge, considering also expert judgment, ethical and societal values, and experience from relevant stakeholders. Many EU Member States have national science advisory bodies. However, many health issues have transnational dimensions. Moreover, the rapid increase of scientific knowledge and health issues to be addressed exceed what can be dealt with by national bodies. Accordingly, international collaboration between national bodies will lead to more effective and efficient science advice, in support of decision-making at national and EU level. This objective narrowly fits in FP7-SIS-2008-1.3.3.1. The general objective has been translated into the following specific objectives: •Describe the functions and structure of existing national science advisory bodies for health in 12 European countries; and carry out a thematic analysis of reports from each country •Establish a common ‘best practice’ methodology for science advice •Develop a plan for communication and cooperation in the expanding network of science advisory bodies, taking advantage of the SINAPSE system •Illustrate the common methodology and the functioning of the network by developing a pilot case study for a European science advisory report A common methodology with improved transnational cooperation promotes open governance, as more evidence-based policy making in Europe will be more transparent to the public. The recently established European Science Advisory Network for Health coordinates activities among science advisory bodies within the EU, and is eminently suited to provide the infrastructure for these tasks. As improvement of science advice is a long-term goal, the Coordinating Action will also aim at strengthening the network beyond the time frame of the project.