At the start of KEM, the first KEM Modus Operandi was drawn up based on the Terms of Reference for the scientific expert panel. In 2022, KEM underwent an independent evaluation. The result was positive and led to an extension of KEM for the period 2023-2027. Suggestions for improvement from the evaluation have been incorporated into the current ‘KEM strategy and operation 2023-2027’. This document describes the current working methods of the KEM scientific expert panel.
In principle, KEM's scientific expert panel meets four times a year to manage the entire pipeline of research questions and projects, from the research question to the outcome, evaluation, and interpretation of the research project.
The panel discusses, assesses, and articulates individual research questions that arise from the KEM research agenda 2017-2018 or that are raised by the public forums or the members of the scientific panel themselves. The expert panel recommends internationally authoritative groups for inclusion in a shortlist for the tendering of research questions.
Approved research questions are tendered and contracted by the procurement department of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy or by that of the State Supervision of Mines. They monitor the implementation and inform the KEM scientific expert panel about the progress of the research.
After the research results have been delivered, the panel will provide a scientific assessment of the results of the completed projects and interpret the findings. The panel will advise specifically on how the results can be used to further develop and improve the public instruments currently available for mining impact risks.
Follow-up steps resulting from the recommendations of KEM's scientific panel of experts are the responsibility of EZK, SodM or regional authorities.