[en] The function of supervision and scientific and technical assessment organs depends first of all on the conditions in which they are created, and on the mission which is officially assigned to them. Their composition must be adapted to this particular mission. The supervision and scientific and technical assessment bodies are required to fulfill a function of mediation between scientists and engineers on one hand, public authorities and the general public on the other. They must explain in straightforward terms the studies and research being implemented, the advances that are noted and the inadequacies they might notice. This mission of information is aimed at contributing to the public debate. (author)