Council for Earth and Life Sciences
	Appointed: 2008. The Council for Earth and Life Sciences (RAL) is the result of a merger between the Biology Council (BR), the Committee for Biochemistry and Biophysics (CBB) and the Earth and Climate Council (RAK).
	Object: To promote scientific research in the earth and climate sciences, biological sciences and agricultural sciences by issuing solicited and unsolicited advice on all aspects of the practice of science within this field of activity. The Council’s advice is intended in particular for government policy-makers, scientific institutions (including intermediary organisations) and scientists. Where possible, the Council will assist in disseminating the results of research to a broader public.
	Secretariat: Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences Council for Earth and Life Sciences J. Kuiper, Secretary tel. +31 (0)20-5510799 / 5510728 L.A. Groen, Policy Support Officer tel. +31 (0)20-5510727 fax +31 (0)20-6204941 (addressed to RAL) ral@bureau.knaw.nl