History and structure
The Health Council of the Netherlands (Gezondheidsraad) dates back to 1902. It is an independent body of experts which is consulted by the government on various public health and healthcare matters. Its present legal base dates back to the 1956 Health Act, and its members (approx. 170) are appointed exclusively on the basis of their expertise. The full Council never meets; rather, members serve on ad hoc and/or standing committees. The Council is funded by the Government.

Mission
The Health Council advises the Government on current scientific knowledge with respect to questions of health care and public health. This includes the early warning of emerging technologies and other developments which are relevant to government policy making. The Council's recommendations are based first and foremost on scientific evidence. In addition to topics directly related to health care, the Council deals with such issues as prevention and health protection issues related to food and nutrition, Occupational hygiene and topics related to health and the environment, including ecology and ecotoxicology questions.

How GR works
The Health Council publishes advisory reports or background studies on many issues, most of which are requested by a Cabinet minister (or jointly by several ministers). Because an important task of the Council is to inform about emerging technologies and developments, some reports are issued on the Council's own initiative. At any one time, 30-40 ad hoc committees, each dealing with a different topic, are active.

Committees base their findings on a thorough review of the literature and expert opinion where indicated. When appropriate, attention is devoted to ethical and legal aspects. A draft report is subjected to peer review by one or two of the Council's standing committees.

Dissemination activities
Reports are sent to numerous institutions and individuals, depending on the topic. A press communiqué is usually issued, often resulting in coverage by the media. All reports in Dutch carry an Executive Summary in English. Collected Executive Summaries are published once a year. An increasing number of reports are fully translated into English. The Council publishes an information bulletin (Graadmeter) for its Dutch readership and a newsletter in English (Network) for its international audience. Both address new activities and publications, and update published reports.

Current projects (a selection)
- Pre-implantation genetic diagnostics and screening
- Medium-term health implications of disasters
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Integrated management of the elderly
- BCG vaccination 
- Recommended dietary intake of energy and nutritional substances
- Food allergy
- Environmental factors and asthma
- Precaution and public health
- Health impacts of nanotechnology
- Occupationally induced infertility.