Michel Claessens is currently deputy head of the Communication Unit in the Research Directorate-General at the European Commission. He joined the European Commission in 1994.

A scientific journalist and writer since 1980, he has published 250 articles and 4 books on several aspects of modern science and technology. He successively carried out research in organic physical chemistry, in radiology, in biotechnology and in the chemical industry. He is teaching science communication at the Free University of Brussels and is a member of the scientific committee of the PCST Network (Public Communication of Science and Technology).

Claessens holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry.

• How Central and Eastern European Countries See Science (April 14, 2005)