EUROSCIENCE 37 newsEUROSCIENCE: THE VOICE OF IN

In this issue:

NEWS & VIEWS: page 2 Governing Board and EIT News page 3 Conference on Scientific Publishing and ISE page 4 Women, science and TV ESOF: page 5 Torino is ESOF2010 host city and News from ESOF2008 REGIONAL SECTIONS: page 6 NATO Workshop in Tallinn page 7 Grenoble section NEWS & VIEWS: page 8&9 Bulgaria and Young scientists in Latvia page 10 backs science page 11 Steps across borders INTERVIEW: page 12 ERC: Questions & Answers

EDITORIAL: COMMUNICATION tasks, implementation and TOWARDS broad estimates of resources – A KEY TOOL FOR required to implement them. ESOF2008 The EUROSCIENCE EUROSCIENCE MISSION communications strategy should CALL FOR – explain and promote the aim and mission of EUROSCIENCE PROPOSALS – provide for and facilitate dialogue with EUROSCIENCE IS OPEN! members and – support the effective operation of EUROSCIENCE. ESOF2008 invites researchers in SINCE the establishment of On the EUROSCIENCE all disciplines from public and EUROSCIENCE in 1997 much website we state: One unique feature of private institutions and companies has indeed been accomplished “EUROSCIENCE was founded EUROSCIENCE is that it is to submit proposals of their but even more remains to be in 1997 in order to: trans-disciplinary and trans- leading research for (i) Scientific done. We have: – provide an open forum for national and that it encourages Sessions; researchers, journalists, – organised several meetings debate on science and the widest possible involvement communicators, policy makers, with focus on issues such as technology in debate and opinion forming. business people and managers to mobility and science policy – strengthen the links between This must be taken into submit proposals for (ii) Society – been a very active voice on science and society consideration when organising the and Science Sessions; and issues of concern for – contribute to the creation of an communications strategy. For a institutions, associations, European science integrated space for science living debate to take place we use researchers, businesses and – taken part in several science and technology in Europe our newsletter/journal, position individuals to submit proposals communication projects – influence science and statements and discussion for (iii) Outreach Activities. financed by the European technology policies”. papers, participation in mass Commission media, live meetings (not least Answer the call! – through our presidents and These goals require a large ESOF) and above all, a modern http://www.esof2008.org/#PARTICI other Board members been and engaged membership and and multi-functioning highly PATE/Call-for-Proposals.html|sub represented at numerous effective communication within interactive website. This work meetings organised by others and EUROSCIENCE as well as has begun and will be presented – founded and, together with with partners and stakeholders in more detail in later issues of several partners, conducted outside the association. our journal. EUROSCIENCE Open Forum twice and are well into the To address these challenges we We invite you to take an active implementation of ESOF2008 are in the process of structuring part in the formation of and ESOF2010. the way the Governing Board EUROSCIENCE’s strategies operates with division of labour to strengthen the role of science These activities have been through a committee structure. in European society. performed with very limited The Communications Committee resources and have required is one example. Over the past six Carl Johan Sundberg a lot of personal efforts by months we have begun to identify Chair Euroscience and ESOF2008 many volunteers. Now that what needs to be done to fulfil Communication Committees, we have consolidated some the goals of EUROSCIENCE over Vice President EUROSCIENCE of the key events it is time to the years to come. The strategy Researcher in Molecular Exercise professionalise our association includes elements such as: Physiology, Karolinska Institutet even more. aims for EUROSCIENCE [email protected] communication, audiences and

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Latest News from the EIT GOVERNING BOARD EUROSCIENCE ASSISTS MEETING IN PARIS THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

THE EUROSCIENCE Governing A written agreement for the THE DEBATE about the proposed about its position on the EIT Board met on 27/28 January ESOF2008 project signed European Institute of Technology proposal and to debate a 2007 in Paris. We are grateful to between FCRI, the Fundació (EIT) continues to rumble on range of issues concerned with ICSU, the International Council for Catalana per a la Recerca i la across Europe, following the research and innovation in Science, who made its premises Innovació, and Euroscience was European Commission's latest Europe in general. available to us. presented. It is a model for revised proposal. collaboration and financial support This demonstrates the role that The core discussion of a very of EUROSCIENCE with future EUROSCIENCE, through its EUROSCIENCE can play in dense agenda was concentrated ESOF organising bodies. Science Policy Working Group, set providing views and information on the EUROSCIENCE strategic out its initial views, following a from the grassroots to policy plan. It includes a new approach The President informed the debate at the EUROSCIENCE makers. It is a role that for individual membership, joint Board of the ongoing discussion Assembly at ESOF2006, in which EUROSCIENCE must actions with institutions or taking place with a group of it expressed its doubts about the increasingly develop. associations both national and European foundations to proposal. This policy statement European. An action plan for possibly provide support for was widely reported in the press. Tony Mayer corporate membership drive is the EUROSCIENCE office to In November 2006, the European [email protected] being implemented including develop core activities for ESOF. Commission set out a much closer partnership through the revised proposal for the EIT Corporate Advisory Board. The Board approved the co-option BELOW: The Euroscience Governing and EUROSCIENCE has again Board at its Paris meeting in January of Philippe Busquin (MEP, Belgium) responded, issuing an updated 2007. From left to right: Christine Heller Communication strategy is a and Michael Grewing (physicist, statement on 6 February del Riego and Jens Degett with Angelina, key action of the strategy plan Germany), bringing it to 21 following the Board meeting in Raymond Seltz, Enric Banda, Georges (see Editorial). This includes an members. Gail Cardew and Carl Paris at the end of January. See Waysand, Carl Johan Sundberg, Tony electronic newsletter version Johan Sundberg were confirmed http://www.euroscience.org/WGR Mayer, Jean-Patrick Connerade, Peter in a near future as well as as our vice-presidents. OUPS/SCIENCE_POL/EIT.htm Green, Peter Tindemans, Benedikt more professional marketing Hoffmann, Vsevolod Borissov, W. of EUROSCIENCE and ESOF The next Board meeting is planned Gerhard Pohl, Roland Pochet, Zinayida The Commission’s proposal is through a renewed web site. A first for 15 June 2007 in . Klestova. Not pictured: Gail Cardew, now under consideration both in Alma Swan, Didier Raboud, Renzo milestone of the new strategy will the Council of Ministers and within Rubele, new co-opted members be the celebration of the 10th Raymond Seltz the European Parliament. Although Philippe Busquin and Michael Grewing. anniversary of EUROSCIENCE Secretary General the proposal started with the Picture taken by Julia Epp end 2007 in Strasbourg. [email protected] Commission’s President Barroso, the lead, within the Commission, is taken by the Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth. Given the different facets of the proposal (education, knowledge transfer and innovation), it will be seen and debated by several committees in the European Parliament, such as the Committee for Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and the Committee for Culture and Education (CULT). Final decisions on the proposal are not expected to be taken until the end of 2007.

The rapporteur for this topic in the Culture Committee is Mme Hennicot-Schoepges and she and her team met with Raymond Seltz (Secretary General) and Tony Mayer (Treasurer) to discuss the EIT. EUROSCIENCE was able to brief Mme Hennicot-Schoepges

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION publication-study_en.pdf) and was in EU research grants. Scientific opened by Janez Potocnik. He publishing will be a “highlight” CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE emphasised the importance of of the Portuguese presidency later Europe's research base and of this year, and will be discussed OF SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHING developing a science infrastructure further in the forum of the High- in Europe that will facilitate level Expert Group on Digital Brussels, 15–16 February 2007 innovation and competitiveness. Libraries. The EC will make funding available through the 7th The meeting covered open Framework Programme (FP7): access to scientific information; – 50 million euros for top-level e-infrastructure; the integration of infrastructure through the research articles with primary data; Capacities Programme data-mining and text-mining; quality – 25 million euros for preservation control in publishing; copyright and in the ICT Programme, and EUROSCIENCE was one of almost presented to the EU Commissioner digital rights management; and – 10 million euros (in 2007-8) for 750 organisations to sign a petition for Science and Research, preservation of the scientific record. improved accessibility and (http://www.jisc.ac.uk/news/stories Janez Potocnik, immediately usability through the e-Content /2007/02/news_petition2.aspx) before the conference. Viviane Reding, the Commissioner Programme calling on the European for Information Society and Media, Commission to act upon the The meeting, which focused on closed the meeting. She accepted The petition is still open for recommendations in its own access, dissemination and the principle that research results signatures and EUROSCIENCE study on scientific publishing. The preservation in the digital age, should be available to all through members are encouraged to add petition, which was sponsored by a was hosted by the European open repositories. She said that the their own name to show support consortium of national-level bodies Commission as a follow-up to its EC would be experimenting with for the opening up of European (JISC, SURF, DFG, DEFF and SPARC Study on the Economic and processes that enable better science: www.ec-petition.eu Europe) gathered almost 18,500 Technical Evolution of Scientific access, and would be supporting signatures in the 24 days prior to Publication Markets in Europe open access publishing (wherever a Alma Swan a meeting in Brussels to discuss (http://ec.europa.eu/research/ front-end publication fee is charged) [email protected] scientific publishing. It was science-society/pdf/scientific- by including the cost of publication

campaign to establish the ERC. level but also at the national and Euroscience and regional levels. We live at a time Following on from the successful when structures and institutions ERC campaign, ISE has are evolving rapidly and the the ISE “Vision for addressed the needs for relations between are changing. European research infrastructure for the life . What do we want? How do we Science in Europe” address our weaknesses and Now, led by EUROSCIENCE, play to our strengths? What ISE is embarking on a new and should be the role of the ambitious project to provide a Commission and the national grassroots vision for the shape, agencies in the future? In other structure and funding for words, we have to look ahead to research in Europe. We have a what the ERA will be in 2020 and unique political opportunity to how will we achieve the famous influence the design of science in Lisbon objectives? Europe for the coming decade or so. This is because the European ISE is starting its work now and Commission itself is initiating a hopes to bring this together at a consultation on the re-launching major meeting at the end of the THE INITIATIVE for Science in ISE provides a platform for these of the European Research Area; year, possibly sponsored by the Europe (ISE) is a coalition of various organisations to promote there will be a review of the so- Portuguese EU Presidency. a variety of European science mechanisms to support basic called financial perspectives organisations which came science at a European level, (budget) of the European Union; If you have any suggestions together especially to provide involve scientists in the design and the EU Treaties and draft or views on these issues a major pressure group to and implementation of European Constitution will also be under that can help to define the campaign for the European science policies, and to advocate scrutiny. These all add up to an EUROSCIENCE input to these Research Council (ERC). It has strong independent scientific opportunity for science, at its discussions, please post these a secretariat provided by the advice in European policy grassroots, to come together to to: offi[email protected] European Life Sciences Forum making. Since its inception, influence these processes and (ELSF) based at EMBO in EUROSCIENCE has played set out our vision as to how Tony Mayer Heidelberg. a leading role in its activities, science should be structured and [email protected] especially in relation to the financed not only at the European

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initiative, it is the broadcaster's own Science and interest to widen its programmes. BOOKS

Therefore, a fourth player (after the technology and authors, producers and broadcasters) was identified – the (national) governments. The final finding was the roles of women that a top-down initiative was needed to bring more female role models in a SET context into popular TV formats. in TV drama Authors admitted that they had a backlog of demand on SET issues, and scientists agreed that they Launch Event needed to learn to present their results better to a broader public. An in Berlin 19 February 2007 interesting historical fact mentioned in the German context was that in old films produced by DEFA (who had the state film monopoly in the German Democratic Republic) a female How can we show more female Uppenbrink (Verband deutscher engineer was not an uncommon role models in Science and Drehbuchautoren e.V.) pointed out character. Technology in popular TV that authors needed support from A (FRENCH) DIALOGUE between formats? Why does it seem so producers. This was confirmed by The EuroWistdom project has a PhD student in and an difficult, especially in Germany, to David Harsent, a writer from the UK, started a promising dialogue in astrophysicist tries to break make science and technology more who said that it was not courage to Germany. Hopefully, this European- taboos linked to the profession of popular to a young female audience deal with new topics which was level initiative will be copied at scientists: interpersonal relations and to make them choose a career needed by the authors, but money! national level in other countries such in the lab, such as the one with a in science, engineering and as in the UK. EuroWistdom will be thesis adviser, the absence of technology (SET)? These were But where could this money for more organising Science soirées in Paris women in decision-making the basic questions discussed in SET in TV come from? Broadcasters and Ljubljana which will help to bodies, anxiety about the future… several fora by writers, producers, in Germany, such as the ZDF, do not spread the message in other broadcasters, scientists and have resources to pay the authors, European countries. JE Comment peut-on être students from the Femtec career who are paid by the producers. chercheur(e) » by Florence Malka network for women. However, the golden rule of EUROSCIENCE is a partner in and Lydie Koch-Miramond, producers is to meet the the EuroWistdom – European with a preface by Axel Kahn In her introduction, Marion Esch expectations of the audience. The Women in Science TV Drama on Editions L’Harmattan, (Femtec Scientific programme public still had no realistic view of Message project (see Euroscience ISBN 978-2-296-02512-7 coordinator) pointed out that role professions in SET, they argued. News 36). The launch event was models in Belgian “docu-soaps” Female engineers were perceived as attended by Raymond Seltz and indeed had an effect on career “unsexy” and, especially in Germany, Julia Epp. decisions of young women. Anja there was a lot of general scepticism Kunze, a student in electrical regarding scientific issues. Finally, as More information: engineering and happy with her some participants pointed out the http://www.eurowistdom.eu/ choice, reported about her exciting whole problem was related to http://www.femtec- scientific work off the beaten track, education politics in Germany. konferenz.de/en/ emphasising that there were many Dr. Sigrid Eeckhout, geologist at stories to tell about work in science The solution could be to translate European Synchrotron Radiation Facility such as interpersonal relations with SET issues into a context of daily (ESRF) in Grenoble and Euroscience international colleagues in labs life conflicts, emotion and passion, member, reported about her experience and at conferences. to lull the audience into attention, as a scientist. resumed Gabriela Sperl (Sperl + But how to transport the Schott Film GmbH). Jessica Pope fascinating world of the (Executive Producer Drama, BBC) international scientific gave a positive example from the AS ANNOUNCED in ES News 35, community to teenage girls who UK: A BBC production about the proceedings of the meeting passionately watch prime-time Stephen Hawking had been an “Science in the Service of War serials? It turned out that most immense success, because it was and the Responsibility of authors have a background in about passion, and not basically Scientists” are now available. humanities or social sciences. about science. La science et la guerre by Writing TV drama about science Daniel Iagolnitzer, Lydie Koch- and technology inevitably leads to Another fact drew the conference Miramond, Vincent Rivasseau, intensive investigations on the topic participants' attention to the UK: the with a preface by Claude Kordon – a time-consuming job for which BBC has £352M to spend for science Editions L’Harmattan, one is not paid. Katharina per year. Thanks to this government ISBN 2-296-01402-X

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ESOF2010: Prof. Enrico Predazzi presenting the Torino bid beats stiff (© Euroscience) competition to become Euroscience city in 2010

TURIN HAS WON the competition opportunity for dialogue between to organise the EUROSCIENCE the citizens of Europe and the Open Forum in 2010 (ESOF2010). research community”. Turin succeeded against three other extremely professional bids from “The challenge provided by , Paris and Wroclaw. Copenhagen, Paris and Wroclaw Scienza, Piero Gastaldo, Secretary design, strong national media Turin will host ESOF2010 from was formidable. It is clear that General of the Compagnia di San coverage as well as wide support by 2 July till 7 July 2010. EUROSCIENCE Open Forums Paolo and Professor Aldo Fasolo national research organisations. have become a significant feature of representing CentroScienza. Peter Tindemans, Chair of the the movement for greater dialogue Turin’s bid emphasised a well ESOF2010 was also deemed crucial Selection Committee commented between Europe’s research thought and thorough plan to use to underline the need to invest in that, “all four cities had put forward community and its citizens”, the web to extend ESOF’s outreach science and technology for the convincing cases to host Europe's continued Peter Tindemans. beyond the physical ESOF location, development of the region, the premier science meeting, however a remarkable venue in the form of country and Europe as a whole. Turin convinced the committee that Turin's bid was led by its ESOF an early 20th century Fiat factory its plans for reaching out beyond Champion Professor Enrico Predazzi, transformed by Renzo Piano into a Peter Tindemans, Chair of ESOF Turin and across Europe would of the Faculty of Sciences University conference centre symbolising the Governance committee, provide the widest possible of Turin and representing Agorà links between science, industry and [email protected]

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 On 22-23 February the ESOF2008 ESOF2008 Steering Committee (chaired by Some recent Enric Banda and Ingrid Wünning) and the Programme Committee RUMOURS milestones (chaired by Sir Colin Berry) met in Barcelona. Substantial on the way to progress was made in the definition CIRCULATE… of themes, top-down sessions ESOF2008: and plenary speakers. The Communications Committee THAT THERE WILL BE a «Poets afield as St. Petersburg and even (chaired by Carl. J. Sundberg) and Researchers» gathering at China signalling that they cannot met on March 12 in . ESOF2008 in Barcelona, as a follow- possibly be left out and (of course) In November 2006, an agreement up of the «Ludwig Session» held in the Spaniards and the Catalans between EUROSCIENCE and Jaume Urgell . That is all very well, but (never to be outdone) are preparing ESOF2008 was signed by Jean- Promotion & Communication who are the poets? At least three to pit their researcher-poets against Patrick Connerade and Enric Banda. ESOF2008 Associations in Paris claim they are all comers. There is a story that [email protected] the ones, but which of the three is Latin America is somehow getting A delegation of the ESOF2008 the right one? There are Germans involved in this. The question is: are Project Team attended the AAAS who say their Gesellschaft must be ALL of them coming? They could be Annual Meeting on 15-19 February the hub, and there is even an quite a handful if they do... Anyway, 2007 in San Francisco under the International Federation of Poets it seems there will be no shortage overall theme “Science and pointing out that it can't be of expert jury members for another Technology for Sustainable Well- imagined without them. Indeed, Euroscience (Andrea von Braun Being” and presented ESOF2008 voices have been heard from as far Stiftung?) Poetry Competition. JPC to the visitors.

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depth statistical analysis of NATO Advanced Research poverty risks of the main social groups while Professor A. V. Dmitrijev (Institute of Philosophy, Workshop in Tallinn: Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow) concentrated on the risks of illegal immigration and Impact of global crises on its contemporary trends in labour market for different ethnic groups of immigrants. human awareness and Scientific and educational systems in risk conditions and the role of scientists and the behaviour in risk conditions learned societies were considered by Professor A. Makarenko (Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, National Technical University of Ukraine, Kiev) as well as A NATO Advanced Research – Copying with natural and M. V. Florin (IRGC, Switzerland) by Professor A. Timkovsky, Workshop “The Impact of Recent man-made crises a new integrated analytic N. Didenko and I. Didenko Global Crises on Human – Globalisation and Social framework for risk governance (St. Petersburg Association of Awareness and Behaviour in Tensions was presented as the way Scientists and Scholars (SPASS) Risk Conditions” jointly – Role of scientists, scientific forward for the development of of the Russian Academy of organised by Tallinn City Council, and international NGOs in comprehensive assessment and Sciences, St. Petersburg). EUROSCIENCE Regional branch preventing and mitigating management strategies to cope Diverse socio-psychological, Euroscience Eesti and Tallinn tensions. with various risks. While the first ethnic, biological risks in post- University was held in the talk was focused mostly to Soviet countries were the premises of Tallinn University, During the two working days, methodology of a new approach, subject of several presentations Estonia on 26-27 October 2006 26 invited lectures, oral Dr. Florin discussed testing the – by A. Afonin (Ukraine), (see www.euroscience.ee). The contributions and posters were new framework in a small but M. Sicinski (Poland), D. Kutlaca Workshop was attended by 35 presented and discussed. The diverse number of “conflict” (Serbia), Z. Klestova, participants from USA, France, focus of the keynote plenary areas, such as (a) listeria in raw A. Voronina, A. Girnyk, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, lecture delivered by Ambassador milk soft cheese, (b) genetically E. Samorodov (all from Ukraine). Poland, Serbia and Estonia. J. McDonald (USA), the Director modified crops, (c) nature-based Participants from Estonia mostly The Co-Directors of the of Multi-Track Diplomacy tourism and d) nanotechnology. concentrated on case studies Workshop were the Secretary Institute addressed the problem These were followed by two key- of environmental crises. In the General of EUROSCIENCE, of the intra-state wars and the note lectures given by Russian conditions of the newly R. Seltz (Strasbourg, France) new key strategies for regional scientists on the diverse social established Baltic states these and Professor A. Makarenko and ethnic stabilisation. The risks in the Russian Federation. can be resolved only through (Ukraine, Kiev). The event case studies of ethnic conflicts Professor I. Eliseeva close links with neighbouring was sponsored through a in Cyprus and Kashmir were (Sociological Institute of the countries of Scandinavian and NATO grant. analysed to illustrate how deep- Russian Academy of Sciences, Baltic regions. rooted conflicts can be solved St. Petersburg) presented an in- Continued top of page 7 The objective of the Workshop through education, conflict was twofold: (i) to scrutinise resolution training and Workshop participants relax: and summarise the accumulated communication. P. Rambaut Nelly Didenko, Alexander Makarenko knowledge and experience of the (University of Hawaii, Hilo, USA, (Workshop Co-Director), recent natural disasters, man- NATO consultant) dedicated his Igor Didenko, Zinayida Klestova made catastrophes and socio- lecture to a detailed description ethnic conflicts, their impact of intergovernmental on human awareness and programmes of scientific behaviour in risk conditions; cooperation operated under the and (ii) to discuss how scientific guidance of NATO’s Committee expertise can be instrumental on Science for Peace and in early diagnostics, monitoring Security and aimed at easing and prevention or mitigation of the tensions among nations. harmful consequences of crises. In two closely related plenary The Workshop consisted of a lectures “Risk governance: Plenary Session “Risks and towards an integrated approach” conflicts in natural and social delivered by Professor O. Renn systems” dedicated to and P. Sellke (University of introductory presentations Stuttgart, Germany) and of each of the three scientific “Applying the IRGC risk sessions: governance framework” by

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Dr. T. Karu (representative of as an illustration of a general Regional branch Euroscience City of Tallinn to EU) and his co- approach where regional Eesti and Tallinn University author, J. Kert (representative of sections of EUROSCIENCE was held in the same premises Estonia in NATO), shared their can be instrumental in of Tallinn University on experience of cross-border monitoring and raising public 27-28 October 2006 (under management of crises jointly awareness of associated risks Chairmanship of Professor P. with their Finnish colleagues for local populations. Normak, Tallinn University). This while Dr. H. Raudsepp (Marine event, addressing local issues, Systems Institute, Tallinn It was agreed to maintain the was held in Estonian in order to University of Technology) working contacts established involve both scientists and local described the multinational during the Workshop. The politicians and policy makers. programme AMPERA (Accidental proceedings of the conference The main topics were the social, Marine Pollution) and its will be published in the NATO psychological and medical implications for European Conference series. aspects of human awareness coastal countries. Similarly and mentality in risk conditions. environmental hazards Izold Pustylnik (Organiser) and An associated event – an associated with former uranium Raymond Seltz (Workshop Co-Director) interdisciplinary conference Izold Pustylnik rich ore production in mines “Human awareness and Coordinator of EUROSCIENCE around the town of Sillamäe behaviour in risk conditions” Regional Section Euroscience were described by I. Pustylnik jointly organised by Tallinn City Eesti in Estonia (Estonia) and R. Seltz (France) Council, EUROSCIENCE [email protected]

President of the French Physical approach, i.e. the involvement of Society; Daniel Bloch, special researchers “à la base” was the GRENOBLE adviser of Didier Migaud only chance that the top-down (President of “Grenoble Alpes directives from the EU about the Metropole”); and other University ERA could ever succeed in reality. SECTION dignitaries. He also acknowledged the work of the EU Commissioners in J.-C. Guibert and Jean Therme – Brussels, who have not an easy informs about directors respectively of the CEA task since the leadership remains Division for Advanced Techniques in the hands of the individual and of the CEA/Grenoble – governments, who may have Euroscience in welcomed all the participants conflicting interests between and briefly recalled the newly themselves and who frequently inaugured Minatec, one of the do not act from a European the European most prominent European sites perspective. EUROSCIENCE for Nanotechnology research. appears in Brussels not only as a Bill Stirling also spoke about lobby, but as an organisation Research Area his personal interest in useful to listen to, since it can be EUROSCIENCE, the involvement considered as the “Voice of of ESRF in the EIROForum Science” in Europe. (gathering the European large scale facilities) and on the J.-P. Connerade also spoke about ESRF capability for X-ray past successful EUROSCIENCE characterisation of the actions in favour of the European nanosystems. Charter for Researchers and the European Research Council. He In his address, J.-P. Connerade also stressed the influence of all “Les succès d'Euroscience Physical Society (both from first recalled how lucky he had Euroscience activities (especially dans la construction de national level and its local been, when young, to meet high ESOF – the EUROSCIENCE l'Espace Européen de la Grenoble-Alpes section) and the level scientists such as Nobel Open Forum) and its work through Recherche” – Success of “Association pour la Parité dans Prizewinners Abdus Salam and local sections and thematic work EUROSCIENCE in construction les Métiers Scientifiques et Alfred Kastler, and also Wolfgang groups. of the European Research Techniques”. Paul who allowed him to be a Area – was the title of a talk pioneer in synchrotron radiation. The get-together that followed – given by EUROSCIENCE The conference in the brand new He also described how he “pot” in French – was an ideal President Jean-Patrick Connerade auditorium of the Maison des decided to evaluate the cost of way to celebrate the creation of on 4 December 2006, in Micro-Nanotechnologies (Minatec) Newton's “apple discovery”, a the EUROSCIENCE Grenoble Grenoble, France. The conference attracted around 60 people, direct reply to Margaret Thatcher Section. was sponsored by the three including the Deputy Mayor of to convince her to invest in European large-scale research Grenoble, Mme Geneviève research! M. Belakhovsky infrastructure facilities (ESRF, ILL, Fioraso; Bill Stirling, the Director michel.belakhovsky@ EMBL), as well as by the French General of ESRF; Roger Maynard, He made clear that a bottom-up numericable.fr

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in a crucial historical period. Unfortunately, the continent Last, but not least, the solidarity of IT IS NICER However, during this long hiatus, entered in 1914 into a series of EUROSCIENCE, as unique grass- some internal forces turmoils which lasted until the root pan-European organisation for TO BE accumulated, which transformed 1980s, when the environment promoting science agendas, and themselves, at the restoration in finally became ripe for the construction of European BULGARIAN 1878 of the Bulgarian state, into encompassing “old” and “new” Research Area, with countries a desire to quickly rejoin the Europeans in the European Union. such as Bulgaria and Romania European family. The creation of Among the challenges faced by the was also an element in the new scientific and educational newcomers was to demonstrate creation of favourable atmosphere institutions were at the forefront capacities in research and for accepting their full membership SINCE 1 JANUARY 2007, it is of Bulgaria's efforts to “catch-up”. education as prerequisites for in the EU. Cordial thanks to much nicer to be Bulgarian for the Already in 1869, i.e. even before joining the EU. With 11 Centres everyone of you for giving your “simple” reason of having joined the Liberation, some visionary of excellence recognized by the time and personal means to noble the European Union's population. thinking pioneers founded a European Commission, with more causes such as these! Being “in the Club” changed learned society which was later than 450 projects financed by the immediately the atmosphere in transformed into the Bulgarian Framework Programmes 5 and 6, Simeon Anguelov the country. The eloquent Academy of Sciences in 1911. with successful co-operations with [email protected] illustration was the continent-wide Sofia University opened its doors the science programmes of NATO demonstration of solidarity with in 1888, only four years after the and UNESCO, and with 40 years of 1 In the constructing and financing the the Bulgarian nurses and the re-establishment of the Bulgarian bilateral agreements with CNRS, Bulgarian learned society which Palestinian physician arrested in statehood. Both institutions, the DFG, the British Royal Society and transformed in 1911 into the Bulgarian Libya more than eight years ago learned society-Academy and the other leading scientific centres in Academy, a key role belonged to Ivan Evstratiev Gueshov (1849-1924), its and sentenced to death and the University of Sofia were the most advanced European president from 1911 until his death in joint efforts to seek their release. generously financed by rich countries, Bulgaria was able to 1924. Another eminent sponsor was 1 Bulgarians who understood the demonstrate its preparedness for Evlogui Gueorgiev (1819-1897) who, We said: “A simple reason”, but role of the knowledge for the full membership. I dare to say that together with his brother Hristo (1824- the road was long and difficult. building of a modern State and these items compensated to 1872), left a legacy of 6 million gold leva, Bulgarians have never considered having the ambition to catch the some extent for the lack of at that time equal to the same sum in themselves as non-Europeans. rapid pace of Europe’s European experience and gold French francs, for building the However, the discontinuity in the modernisation. In a way, they had knowledge in some other practical University of Sofia. Bulgarian state existence between a kind of Lisbon agenda fields. This demonstrates once 2 For instance, the agreement of co- operation between the Bulgarian Academy 14th and 19th centuries, when combining state and private funds, again the role of the international of Sciences and Deutsche the territory and people were of course, without knowing this scientific co-operation as flagship Forschungsgemeinschaft preceded the parts of the Ottoman Empire, like Jourdain of Moliere who didn't in constructing really modern establishment of regular diplomatic isolated Bulgarians from the most know that he spoke in prose. relations among the Nations2. relations between Bulgaria and the Federal actively developing part of Europe Republic of Germany.

Young scientists in Young scientists in Latvia: Latvia today There is an extremely small number of PhD students in situation and activities Latvia (in 2004 only 1428 doctoral students) who, in the future, will be influencing the quality of higher education and the development of innovative technologies. The estimated number of PhD students in TO BETTER UNDERSTAND scientists and sources of funding. scientists – who would have now 2007 is 3000 1. why an organisation like the Along with the opening of the formed the motor of science and Association of Latvian Young border to the West in 1991, research. Instead, in 2003, The small number of doctoral Scientists (ALYS) was founded, many Latvian scientists took the the average age of those students is mainly related to it is necessary to have a short opportunity to work abroad. As a holding doctorates was 51 and passive state politics in solving overview about the situation of result, there was a considerable of professors 56, with 33% of social issues of PhD students science in Latvia. lack of scientists. Although professors being over 60. The and the small number of the people avoided discussing this greatest problem in science has state financed budget study Situation in Latvia after 1991 issue, the outflow of scientists been the lack of funding which places. PhD students in Latvia After the renewal of independence in the 1990s largely influenced has held back science hold the status of a student in 1991 many important changes the overall pace of scientific development: insufficient and they are eligible to receive took place in Latvian science. development and the quality of numbers of young scientists, a scholarship only when they are These changes affected not only the research: both decreased. limited opportunities for further involved in research work at the content, structure and The result has been that the growth and lack of competent universities. Fortunately, starting administration of science but, Latvian science community has management for doctoral this year, this status has been especially, also the number of missed one generation of programmes. changed and all PhD students

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who have a budget place are scientists' organisations in their information and to establish new with young physicists and our eligible to get a scholarship. home countries. At the start of contacts. We also want to show Lithuanian colleagues, visited However, the scholarship is only 2005, Inese Sviestina and Janis Bachelor and Master students the Ventspils International 114 EUR per month (whereas Jasko started to work on the that science can be attractive Centre of Radio-astronomy and the stated living wage is 171 foundation of the Association of and interesting and that it is spent a nice day near to the EUR) and almost all PhD Latvian Doctoral Students. After worth doing scientific research. Baltic Sea. students must work (often not in several meetings with other the field in which they do their activists of the field, it was ALYS informs PhD students on Sources of support research). In addition to the decided to establish a larger available scholarships, projects, ALYS has good collaboration state financed scholarship it is organisation under the name seminars and conferences. It is with the Swiss Gebert Rüf possible to receive support from Association of Latvian Young both essential to help young Stiftung that was established by European Structural Funds: a Scientists (ALYS) that would scientists to find the best the entrepreneur Heinrich scholarship of 214 EUR per unite master course students research places and universities Gebert as a scientific foundation month, a travel allowance 1000 and doctoral students actively abroad, but also to help them in 1997. One of the activities EUR per year and 1714 EUR per involved in scientific research. to return and to convince them with special importance to year for covering research costs. On 8 December 2005, the that good research can also Latvian young scientists is the But this is only for those foundation meeting of ALYS took be done in Latvia. Fortunately, project Encouraging Young students who study sciences place at the Latvian Academy of there are some positive Scientists in the Baltics: Swiss – it does not apply to arts or Sciences with 24 young precedents when not only young Baltic Net (started 2000)3. humanities students! The effect scientists. In January 2006, scientists, but also successful of these financial problems is the association was officially senior scientists, came back As we still receive only moral amply demonstrated by the registered in the Republic of and continued to do research support from our state number of defended doctoral Latvia. ALYS soon established in Latvia. institutions, we were very theses in Latvia – only 107 links with international young grateful for the support of CHF PhD students (86 woman and scientists' networks: in February Recent and future activities 14,000 from Gebert Rüf Stiftung 39 men) received a doctorate 2006, it was admitted to ALYS intends to organise to strengthen our position as an in 2005. Eurodoc (European Council of educational seminars (on organisation and to popularise doctoral candidates and young speaking skills, project the idea and aims of ALYS. State financed (budget) researchers) and became a development, language places for PhD students regional organisation of WAYS acquisition etc.) due to the We have a lot of things to do in 2004-2005 (%) 2 (the World Academy of Young limited number of courses to improve the situation in Engineering 21 Scientists) in Latvia. delivered during doctoral science in Latvia but one of the Health care 14 studies. We want to enable main goals is to encourage Social sciences 12 Aims and activities of the young scientists to communicate young scientists to return to Humanities 8 Association of Latvian their research not only to Latvia and to stay in science. Education science 7 Young Scientists their colleagues, but also to Agriculture 4 ALYS intends to become “ordinary” people and to Natural sciences 4 a leading organisation show them how the results of coordinating all issues of scientific research can influence Founding an Association to young scientists' concern, our daily life. tackle the problems of young since, currently, there is no Latvian scientists other organisation dealing We also organise The idea of establishing an with these issues. interdisciplinary and organisation which could unite transdisciplinary seminars and young scientists and help them Some of the most important conferences together with Inese Sviestina in solving their problems, arose aims are to strengthen the colleagues from Estonia and President of ALYS at ESOF2004 when Inese cooperation among young Lithuania. For example, at an [email protected] Sviestina met Dmitri Teperik scientists and to improve the international seminar, organised (now the coordinator of the communication between them. together with the Lithuanian Youth Association Estonian It's simply the idea to help to Society of Young Researchers, Academy of Young Scientists). know more about each other, PhD students from different They discussed that it would be e.g. about research done by scientific disciplines (sociology, necessary to create young colleagues, to exchange , , biology etc.) presented their research results and tried to explain them in an understandable way to the other participants. Janis Jasko ALYS Board member Now we are planning a seminar about the 7th Framework Programme. 1 See: http://www.aip.lv/files/130603.ppt But young scientists in Latvia do 2 See: http://www.aip.lv/files/Bolonas_3_ not only think about science and cikls.ppt work: Last year, ALYS, together 3 See: http://www.grstiftung.ch/

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it is now quite clear that Abdus good effect is that a young and today. However, they can CHINA Salam was right, and that the dynamic generation has assumed be useful to put things into 'catching up' is taking place in a command in many institutions, so perspective, China is said to big way. What is still not clear that (in contrast with a widely held produce some 600,000 trained BACKS today is the path China will follow Western prejudice that China is scientists and engineers per in this process. Will the held back by its over-respect for annum today, who are absorbed in adjustment occur smoothly, with age) laboratories are often run by its own economic growth. The SCIENCE China gradually blending into the an active and enterprising new European Union, on the other international average? Or will it management. The bad effect is hand, will have difficulty in actually overshoot Salam's curve, the critical shortage of high level reaching the 'Lisbon Target' and create an anomaly of another expertise from the missing because of the need to train YEARS AGO, when statistics kind before the situation settles? generation, that would normally some 700,000 new researchers were first being gathered at the moderate decisions and avoid by the year 2010, as originally International Centre of Theoretical In most countries, there are forces overstretching too early. pointed out by the OECD. Physics (today the Abdus Salam pushing for more research and Centre) about the importance of innovation, while others (both After the Cultural Revolution, the Thus, the balance is clearly science for the world's economic and political) oppose too Government of China wisely chose shifting. Today, China spends more economies, an anomaly emerged. much rapid change. The balance to send many of its young and in absolute terms on research The number of research papers between the two should be such talented researchers overseas for than any single country of the country by country was plotted as to allow stable development at training at the international level. European Union. Soon, it will be against GDP, revealing a fairly a sustainable rate. Most As could be expected, the country spending more than the European paid an immediate and heavy Union itself, and it is not far from price for this courageous choice, becoming the world leader. This is not merely in terms of its financial not merely a question of 'catching cost. Many of the brilliant minds, up'. As a major player, China seeing what opportunities were changes the balance for open to them in the world outside, everybody. A new world equilibrium never returned to China. Rather, is being defined for scientific they have joined the enormous research, in which China will Chinese diaspora. certainly play a leading role.

Eventually, however, the policy Scientific research, of course, won through. Enough of the highly is much more than merely an trained intellectuals returned to economic engine. It is part of our assist in leading Chinese culture and (as Salam was fond laboratories and universities of saying), of the heritage of forward, while the diaspora itself, mankind. The Chinese by feeding crucial information Government (like our own back to the homeland, also played politicians) still needs to discover its part in kick-starting the why. At least, Chinese scientists linear relationship between the economists today agree that an Chinese economy. are keenly aware of that. They two, but there was one exception. ideal figure for investment in know that they must contribute to For China, the GDP was already research is about 3% of GDP, with Today, the situation is quite society, and (with recent history far from small, but the number of about 1% from State funds and different. China has a growing still in mind), they are unlikely to scientific publications was 2% from the Private Sector. number of excellent laboratories, retreat into ivory towers. Their extremely low. Indeed, this is the 'Lisbon target' of well resourced and well-staffed contribution to building a better the European Union has set itself universities, and is no longer China will be essential, and this, I remember quizzing my former for the much vaunted 'knowledge- obliged to send so many people they clearly understand. teacher, Abdus Salam1, about this based economy'. overseas. It now has so many point because it did at least raise opportunities to offer that Jean-Patrick Connerade a question about the linear In China, however, because the Chinese researchers from Honorary President of Euroscience relationship he claimed between country as a whole was very far overseas are increasingly [email protected] activity in scientific research and from equilibrium in its investment returning to their home country. economic performance. for research, the opposing forces Indeed, some adventurous In addition to his Emeritus do not balance naturally. Steering postdocs in our own labs are Professorship at Imperial College – China is an anomaly, was his the adjustments through policy is considering appointments in London, Jean-Patrick Connerade reply: it hasn't reached stability the only option. For example, after China, because the Chinese offer has taken up a part-time research yet, but when it does, the number the Cultural Revolution, the nation conditions of work not easily post in the Chinese Academy of of scientific publications is bound awoke to the realisation that it matched elsewhere. Sciences, at the Institute of to rise to the level of the graph. had lost a whole generation of its Physics and Mathematics in intellectuals. This gap in expertise Seasoned China watchers know Wuhan. The audience was mildly is now working its way through the that statistics, impressive though 1 Salam, Abdus, Notes on Science, incredulous, because the number system, with consequences both they are, don't reveal the Technology and Science Education in the of publications had to rise a lot to good and bad, which must determination to succeed which is Development of the South, The Third World bring China in line. With hindsight, somehow be compensated. The present at all levels in its society Academy of Sciences, 1989, p. 39.

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AT THE 8TH EUROPEAN CON- What is the intrinsic value and FERENCE for teachers STEPS meaning of knowledge? This 2005 in Eisenstadt, Austria, I had question is nowadays often the pleasure to attend a lecture ACROSS replaced by the question of what given by Prof. Dr. Helmut type of knowledge do we need to Ringsdorf from the University of BORDERS! fulfil predetermined functions. Mainz, Germany. He talked about This increasing misuse of science “Historic and current thoughts – i.e. its transformation to mainly about the social and political What do creativity, develop and support technology responsibility for teaching and sci- intelligence and respon- often for purely stock market ence”. effects – threatens to destroy its sibility have critical, purely truth-oriented func- Helmut Ringsdorf was born in in common? tion. The increasing connection Prof. Helmut Ringsdorf Gießen, Germany, in 1929. He between KNOWLEDGE and INTER- completed his PhD in the group of OR Historical and EST – first discussed socio-criti- , the father of current considerations cally by the German philosopher 1 „The German Universities and macromolecular chemistry, in Jürgen Habermas9,10 National Socialism“. E.Y. Hartshorne, about the socio-political Unwin Ltd., London, 1937 Freiburg, followed by a postdoc – seems to have become the 2 „Chemists and Biochemists during position at the Polytechnic responsibility of norm to such an extent that the the National Socialistic Era“. U. Institute of Brooklyn, New York. Science. value of Science is endangered to Deichmann, Angew. Chem., Int. Ed., He became professor at the vanish in goals and reasons 2002, 41, 1310-1328 3 “Das Blut von Auschwitz und das University of Mainz where the defined outside science: Schweigen der Gelehrten”, S. 189-226 research interests of his group “Truth is what is useful.” in Band I der „Geschichte der Kaiser- were centred around the attempt At scientific meetings and aca- Does this not demand a Wilhelm-Gesellschaft im to bridge the gap between demic jubilees, results and response from our universities Nationalsozialismus. Bestandsaufnahme und Perspektiven der Forschung.“ Two Material Science and Life achievements are always praised and research institutions? volumes edited by Doris Kaufmann Science. After retiring in 1994 but responsibility is seldom dis- ordered by the Max Planck-Society, Helmut Ringsdorf has been guest cussed. Nevertheless, we know Where is all this taking us? We Wallstein Verlag 2000 professor at universities in the that to be a sound scientist are in a transition state: in 4 „Machtworte des Zeitgeistes“, Kl. Hofmeister, L. Banerochse (Hrsg.), Echter U.K. and China. Several scientific requires more than being able to Europe we are under pressure to Verlag, Würzburg, 2001 prizes were awarded to him. deliver research results and to restructure our shaking industrial 5 „Profit over People“, Noam Chomsky, teach the subject. Especially societies into knowledge based Europa Verlag Hamburg, 6. Aufl., 2001 W. G. Pohl those of us located in central societies! Because we cannot 6 “Die Vorherrschaft der USA – eine Seifenblase”, George Soros, K. Plessing [email protected] Europe should know something keep the basic industrial produc- Verlag, 2. Aufl., 2004. “The Bubble of about the traps of over-emphasis- tion in our developed countries, American Supremacy“, Public ing scientific achievements1-3. knowledge, originality, and rich- Affairs/N.Y., 2003 ness of ideas are more in 7 „Merger Endgames – Strategien für die Konsolidierungswelle“, G.D. Deans, F. Although the autonomy of our uni- demand than ever for further Kröger, St. Zeisel, Gabler Verlag, versities and research institutions developments. Thus, we need a Wiesbaden, 2002 in Europe are no longer endan- science education system that is 8. a) “Globalization and its Discontents”, gered in a political sense, they able to nurture creativity, and an Joseph Stiglitz, W.W. Norton Comp., New York, 2002. "Der Schatten der exist today in a turbulent atmos- uncomplicated fast and open Globalisierung", Siedler Verlag, Berlin, phere, driven by absurd saving exchange of scientific and techno- 2002; b) "Die Chancen der plans, sometimes bizarre elitism logical aspects with industry. We Globalisierung", J. Stiglitz, Siedler Verlag, and influenced by evaluation cannot allow our universities to München, 2006 9 „Technik und Wissenschaft als games and over-bureaucracy. And be instrumentalised: neither politi- Ideologie“, Jürgen Habermas, Edit. there is one more problem, surely cally – as in the Third Reich – nor Suhrkamp, , 1968 at the heart of the matter: it is now political-economically, e.g. by 10 „Erkenntnis und Interesse“, Jürgen difficult for our universities to “laissez-faire capitalism”. We are Habermas, Edit. Suhrkamp, Frankfurt, 1973 avoid being pulled into the only all responsible together for what 11 „Alles Leben ist Problemlösen. Über profit-driven speculations of the is to come11. What is to come? Erkennen, Geschichte und Politik.“ K. Neo-liberalism with the some- “The best way to predict the Popper, Piper Verlag, München, 1999 times brutally acting stock market future is to invent it”12: independ- 12 A quote of Richard Feynman, Physic Nobel Prize 1965 as its accomplice. The “absolute ent universities and research 13 But isn`t every professional a open-market economy” and “lais- institutions are a prerequisite for responsible citizen anyhow? Yes, but see sez-faire capitalism” regard the education of creative, coura- the first sentence of this abstract! Too research and responsibility only geous, nonaligned scientists, will- often we scientists exchange our “citizen jacket” against our “lab-coat” as soon as as a money oriented short term ing to accept their responsibility we enter our laboratories and offices. amusement for our Fun-Society 4. as citizens and as Certainly competition and world- professionals13. wide activities do change our local situations. But many nega- Helmut Ringsdorf tive economic developments can- Institute of Organic Chemistry, not simply be justified by the slo- University of Mainz gan of globalisation5-8. [email protected]

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a grant award system. We have concentrate on what is called our European also decided upon a flat rate ‘core business’ in the jargon of contribution to the host institution firms. However, special occasions Research Council: of 20%. While some may find this may arise when we feel obliged too little, we wanted to maximize to make our views public, the sum that goes to the especially when the issue under Questions successful applicant under the discussion touches directly on the existing financial constraints. mission of the ERC. So far, we We have also decided to greatly have done this twice : first, upon & Answers simplify the application invitation of President Barroso, procedure. For instance, we ask who asked for our views on the the applications for the Starting proposed EIT. Later we have Grant to fill out only four pages published a statement supporting about their research project at an open access policy which The European Research Excellence Programme would stage 1 of the application. But regards us directly. Council (ERC) was formally cease to exist. All other Marie one must constantly be on guard launched at a conference Curie activities - the vast majority for bureaucracy not to take over. Q: When do you think the held in Berlin on 27-28 – will continue. This makes a lot ERC will achieve complete February opened by of sense, since the target groups Q: How will the ERC interact organisational independence Angela Merkel, German differ from that of the ERC with research infrastrucutre from the European Chancellor and President Starting Grants. providers, both national and Commission? of the European Council. European? What will be the A: The envisaged Executive This project, now a reality, Q: How will the ERC ensure relationship between ERC Agency is in the process of developed over the last that its peer review and ESFRI? being set up and will take five years, with the processes will be equivalent A: We have not differentiated approximately one more year. vigorous intervention or better than those of between different types of host Around the mid-term of the 7th of EUROSCIENCE. national funding agencies? institutions, e.g. industrial labs FP, an independent evaluation EUROSCIENCE proposed A: One of the objectives of the qualify as well as any university of the ERC is already foreseen. ideas and participated in ERC is to raise the standards of institute or another research It is to be expected that the all the conferences peer review throughout the institution, provided they are organisational autonomy of organised on this issue European Research Area. This considered suitable for the the ERC will become a hotly under presidencies of the means that the ERC procedures project that is to be pursued discussed political issue EU and was represented at should set a very high standard there. This applies also to around this time. the launching conference. and function as a European-wide research infrastructures. We are example. We are not re-inventing aware, however, that at a later Q: When do you think that Professor Helga Nowotny, peer review, but we want to stage the special situation of we will see the impact of Vice-President and founding ensure that it can be shown to research infrastructures in Europe ERC on the European member of the Scientific work well, not only in a national may need to be addressed. research landscape? Council of the ERC and context, but also, for the first time A: At the recent official ERC a founding member of ever, under the condition of Q: There is a temptation by launch under the German EU EUROSCIENCE, answers European-wide competition. both the Commission and the Presidency, one of the speakers some key questions. Council of Ministers to use from the US, Elias Zerhouni, Q: There is a great desire to ERC for science policy the Director of the NIH, gave us Q: The ERC has started with simplify procedures in FP7. advice. Will this not distract one piece of advice. It will take a “Young Researchers” It has always been envisaged you from the main task of patience to succeed, he said. scheme as its first call. Is that the ERC will operate ERC – the creation of a I fully agree – and so does there not a danger that the through a simple grant award “Champions' League” of everyone else who works European Commission will system, similar to those of researchers? passionately at making the “dump” its Marie Curie the national agencies. Will A: The ERC has decided early on ERC a success. activities on to the ERC? this be the case or will the to resist the temptation to A: The Commission had already constraints of the European become drawn into providing More information : decided before setting up the Commission prevail? expertise that we have not been http://erc.europa.eu/ ERC that the Marie Curie A: The ERC will operate through set up to provide. We want to

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