Following the proposal to establish a European Research Area
(ERA), formulated by Commissioner Philippe Busquin (endorsed by
the EU Heads of Government in Lisbon in 2000), the debate on implementation
of this vision has moved on rapidly. One idea which has been suggested
is that of the creation of a European Research Council (ERC),
which would provide support for high-quality, long-term, curiosity-driven
research. This would be based on a Europe wide competition, not
bound by rigid concepts of juste retour but driven only by the
need to provide substantial funding for the very best research
ideas in Europe.
In its Strategic Plan, 2002-2006, European Science
Foundation (ESF) has set itself the task of structuring and leading
the debate on this key issue for the future of European science.
For information visit: www.esf.org/generic/1520/Plan.pdf. To this
end, it has appointed a High Level Expert Group, under the chairmanship
of Sir Richard Sykes, Rector of Imperial College, London to examine
the pros and cons of the ERC concept and to produce a final report
for publication early in 2003. For members of the High Level Group
and terms of reference visit: www.esf.org.
At the same time, the incoming Danish EU Presidency
(July to December 2002) has decided to promote a discussion meeting
on the same topic which will involve representatives of national
Ministries of Research and Science from the EU Member and Accession
States, members of the European Commission and the European Parliament,
representatives from the ESF Member Organisations and from European
research organisations. The ESF Secretary General is a member
of the organising committee for this event. This meeting (attendance
by invitation only) will be held on 7 – 8 October 2002 and the
debate and opinions expressed will clearly influence the views
of the ESF Expert Group. For information visit: http://www.forsk.dk/eng/eupresidency/index.htm
ESF is very keen that the voice of the research community
at large must be heard in this debate and this is especially true
for the younger generation of researchers. After all, it is the
future shape of European research and its support which is being
considered. Therefore, we want to hear from you and all the views
expressed will be considered by the Expert Group. ESF will also
publish a synthesis of the views received
Please send us your opinions on the idea that there
should be a European Research Council or Councils. In particular,
we would like opinions structured on the following questions:
