EUROSCIENCE 34 newsEUROSCIENCE: THE VOICE OF IN

In this issue:

News and Views: page 2 Working Group and Open Access – threat or blessing? page 3 Euroscience poetry competition page 4 ESOF2008 page 5 Invitation to Host ESOF2010 page 6 Student interest in S&T page 7 Importance of minority languages and A view from Africa Letters: page 8 Letter to editor and News from Greece Books: page 9 Features: page 10 Euroscience Day page 11 Rammal Award: Past, present & future page 12 Thank you John!

is hardly likely to tackle systemic A European Institute weaknesses of the European A Mystery Event university system such as fragmentation, lack of at ESOF2006: of Technology: would concentration or a perceived lack of real top quality universities. The ‘Chairmen’s After all, there are many ‘MITs’ it serve Europe? in the USA. Given the fact that Session’ Europe does have a number of very good universities, investing EUROSCIENCE has established research institutes or companies. in the ERC, and maybe even ESOF2006 OF COURSE (like an electronic mailbox to collect These would cease to belong to establishing a few more many European Eagles) has comments on the proposal of their home organisation but European-level funding agencies, two heads, namely Professor the European Commission to become legally geographically might be a better way to create Wolfgang Heckl – our ‘Local establish a European Institute dispersed parts of the EIT. The a tier of top-level universities at Champion’ – and Professor of Technology (EIT) in order to funding should come from public par with the US top league. Is it Jean-Patrick Connerade, the present a EUROSCIENCE but, especially, also from private realistic to expect substantial EUROSCIENCE President. position. In fact, the underlying sources. private funding if one knows that Unusually for European Eagles, question is whether the average share of industry they have decided to collaborate EUROSCIENCE should play an A web-consultation based on a contracts in university research in organising a joint session at active role in promoting an EIT questionnaire has been organised funding in Europe is the same, ESOF2006. What is the subject? much as it has done in the case (http://europa.eu.int/comm/ even slightly higher, than in the They were rather coy about the of the European Research Council education/policies/educ/eit/ USA, while private foundations detail, but it seems that it will (ERC). consult_en.pdf) which shows the are lacking and the tax regime bring together science, wide variety of responses. In fact does not help very much? It technology, history, politics, Opinions, however, seem to be such a consultation based on a seems there is already much achitecture and even… poetry. much more divided on the use of very open questionnaire on an ill- political wrestling taking place; Well, can one believe that? the Commission’s EIT proposal. defined subject, resulting in 741 some members of the European Rumours were rife in Berlin and According to the Commission, responses mostly from individuals Parliament have even established in when the Programme Europe would need it to turn and in addition from most diverse a committee to host the EIT in and Steering Committees met. more R&D results into organisations, should not carry the EP building in Strasbourg It was completely unclear what commercial opportunities, to any representative weight at all. after which the EP itself could was afoot until (in an unguarded concentrate resources, promote It is said to be, on the whole, give up its expensive double moment) one member of the entrepreneurship and create new, positive towards the EIT, but location. That some people Programme Committee (i.e. a better suited organisational towards which EIT, if there is so seriously believe that the Bill reliable source) admitted over a models. The EIT performs post- much variety? Would 39 individual Gates Foundation might jump in glass of beer that she did know graduate education, research and responses from Germany say would seem to definitively pull something more. It was (she let innovation in an integrated way. anything about the views in the carpet from underneath the slip) quite possible that one of It would be a network-based Germany (other than people do credibility of the Lisbon and the Princes of Bavaria might also organisation, led by a Governing not seem to be interested)? So strategies. In short, turn up for this session, and Board to manage the central let us ask some questions about time for a serious debate that there had been talk of bringing budget and select the the EIT proposal. Foremost on will be continued at ESOF 2006 in musicians connected to this “Knowledge Communities” most scientists’ minds is a in Munich. event. There are actually three for 10-15 years. The latter are conviction that a decentralised Herzogs known to us in Bavaria, partnerships in emerging trans- EIT is a contradiction in terms. Peter Tindemans, so the question is: which one and interdisciplinary fields And creating one physical EIT Convenor Science Policy will come? The plot thickens, between existing top-level would perhaps be nice though it Working Group as they say. departments of universities, may take a considerable time, but [email protected] EC

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WORKING GROUP the European Research Area This declaration has been project of Commissioner Philippe communicated to French ON OPEN ACCESS IN Busquin. The French draft for the Parliament members. We are new law was dominated by the proud of initiating a common SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHING music industry’s problems about European action, fulfilling the illegal downloading and, almost purpose of EUROSCIENCE. alone in the EU, set aside the exceptions for educational and Still, the debate goes on in research purposes. We published France, the majority of the an opinion paper in the Assemblée Nationale followed THE WORKING GROUP on started to work in 3 subgroups: newspaper Le Monde, “La the government and did not Scientific Publishing was created Open Access Publishing (OAP), science c’est aussi de la culture” take account of science needs, in the wake of ESOF2004, where Open Access Archiving (OAA) and (“Science belongs to culture”), refusing to establish exceptions a symposium “Spreading the Open Access Copyright (OAC). on line on the WG webpage as for free downloading and free word” was devoted to some a warning about the risk of photocopying for science and issues in science publishing. (See The first task of this last damaging research activities with education purposes. We hope ES News and the proceedings). subgroup was generated by the regulations that are intended for the Senate will be more receptive parliamentary debate in France, other activities and that restrict to our arguments. In October 2005, it started its over a new copyright law, the flow of information. Action activity by preparing a new intended to transpose the EU was taken to inform lawmakers European scientists have a lot symposium for ESOF2006, directive of May 2001. It should about these issues. We got of ideas to express for improving centred on Open Access, entitled be recalled that, at that time, valuable support from our scientific communication. Join us! “Open Access – threat or EUROSCIENCE was already German colleagues, through a Pierre Baruch blessing” (cf. Stevan Harnad’s taking part in the discussions declaration from the German [email protected] article below and the webpage). surrounding the directive, writing group Aktionsbuendnis fuer Hélène Bosc to the European Commission and Urheberrecht in Bildung und Convenor of the workgroup on In January 2006, wishing to to members of the European Wissenschaft. Scientific Publishing increase our efficiency, we Parliament while commenting on [email protected]

of authors will comply. The four Open Access – institutions worldwide that have adopted a self-archiving mandate DISTINCTION to date -- Southampton ECS threat or blessing? (School of Electronics and THE PRESIDENT of the Computer Science), University Republic of Chile has of Minho, Portugal, Queensland awarded the rank of University of Technology (QUT), Grand Officer in the Order Australia, and European of Bernardo 0’Higgins Organization for Nuclear Research to Claude Kordon, (CERN) – have confirmed this. honorary President of THERE ARE 24,000 peer- competitive advantage, yet only EUROSCIENCE, for his reviewed research journals 15% of the 2.5 million articles All evidence to date is that support to imprisoned, worldwide today, publishing published annually are being institutional self-archiving co- dismissed or exiled Chilean 2.5 million articles per year. spontaneously self-archived exists peacefully with journal scientists after the military No research institution can worldwide today. publishing. 93% of journals coup which overthrew the afford all or most of the journals have already endorsed author legal Chilean government its researchers may need. Creating an Institutional self-archiving; only 7% of in 1973. Hence all articles are losing Repository (IR) and encouraging journals have not. potential research impact researchers to self-archive in it is (usage and citations). a good first step, but the only The ESOF2006 symposium on institutions that are reliably Open Access Self-Archiving will Recent findings show that articles approaching a 100% annual self- address ways of hastening the whose authors supplement archiving rate today are those transition to 100% OA and its subscription-based access by self- that not only create an IR and benefits to research, researchers, archiving their own final drafts provide library help for depositing, and their institutions. The leading free for all (“Open Access”, OA) but also adopt a self-archiving institutions and activists will on the web are downloaded and policy requirement or mandate. presenting their successful cited twice as much across all strategies and findings on the disciplines analysed so far. There is no need for any way to reach OA as quickly and penalties for non-compliance. reliably as possible. Citation counts are robust Two international, cross- indicators of research disciplinary Joint Information Stevan Harnad performance; self-archived Systems Committee (JISC) [email protected] research has a substantial surveys have found that 95%

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Bringing the Full Power EUROSCIENCE launches of Television to bear on a poetry competition Science Dissemination in partnership with the Andrea von Braun Foundation

WHEN YOU BECAME A If this event proves popular, SCIENTIST, did you have any we may continue it in future As a prelude to the ESOF2006 bring the various professions regrets? Did you ever fancy ESOFs, and maybe even conference in Munich, a topic involved into the forum so that yourself as a poet? Did you have expand it further and be more of major importance in engaging practicalities become as strong to give up that dream to chase ambitious. So, remember, even the widest European Public with a focus as the vision. Some key reality? All is not lost: registered if you don’t win the prize this science will be debated in a two figures from Europe’s TV Stations participants at ESOF2006 can time round, by supporting the day conference. This ESOF2006 in the designated output areas come up with a poem on any one Poetry Competition, you are event (EARTHWAKE) will take will be invited, as well as from of the themes of the conference making sure there will be more place on the Friday and Saturday the creative professions in TV and enter it for the Poetry prize chances in the future, and you 14 and 15 July 2006, kicking programme-making, from Science (see the rules in the insert). There are helping to broaden the off ESOF2006 with one of the Communication and Science is real money to be won, with one horizons of the ESOF event. key themes of Science and and Engineering itself. In a world cash prize of 300 euros in each of the Media. where science and technology three possible languages. are making their impact in many Participants from the worlds different ways, the belief is that of Television, Science and opinion needs to be mobilised Technology, and Science on a broad front to find the best Communication will discuss how routes and mechanisms for general TV programming can draw adding science awareness and much more effectively on the ever thinking to traditionally non- POETRY COMPETITION growing presence of science and scientific TV departments. engineering in all our lives. It will The challenge is as much CONCOURS DE POESIE be a forward looking forum and about encouraging a change of will aim to arrive at concrete culture within certain areas GEDICHTWETTBEWERB proposals both for new genres of of broadcasting as it is about TV programme and how catalytic offering a window on new support from the European programme opportunities. A poetry competition will be held during the ESOF2006 Forum, Commission (and others) can THE RULES FOR WHICH ARE AS FOLLOWS: help the agenda. Behind this To ensure contact with current agenda lies the fact that whilst public perceptions, one of the 1 The poem may be written in any form, but should be no longer European TV channels present six conference sessions will than 14 lines or verses, and should be about a subject related to many excellent science involve the general public, any one of the sessions of ESOF2006 or its outreach programme. programmes, these preach largely offering a chance to test some 2 The poem must be written and submitted by a registered to the converted and often to of the assumptions of the participant of ESOF2006, who may not be a member of any of quite modest audiences. The professionals and to elicit fresh the three juries. large audience are to be found insights into what can trigger 3 Submissions must be entirely in one language (English, watching other genres of public interest in television German or French). There will be three separate prizes television, from News to Sport output. The plan is to attract (of 300 euros each), one in each of these languages. and Drama soap operas. a cross section of ages and backgrounds, and encourage non- 4 Poems should be posted into one of the three letter boxes The discussions will be fuelled specialists to attend as many of located at the Conference Registration Desk before 12 noon by some current success stories, the other sessions as possible. on Monday 17th of July. No late entries will be considered. from broadcasts and pilot 5 The winning poems will be selected by a separate Jury for audivisual projects. There will be Andrew Millington each language. The composition of the juries will be finalised a particular focus on three areas: [email protected] at the Forum. Television Drama (called “fiction” Nick Larter in many languages), Sport, and [email protected] 6 The winners will be announced before the close of the the Natural World (or wildlife). In Brian Davies ESOF2006 Forum. addition, the impact of one topic brian.davies@sciencewords. 7 The poems of the winners and finalists will be posted on the on all genres of television will be demon.co.uk ESOF2006 website, and may be used either by EUROSCIENCE explored, namely Space. The aim Raymond Seltz or by the Andrea von Braun Foundation in any of their published will be to illuminate the challenge [email protected] material relating to the ESOF2006 Forum. from different standpoints and

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value. With this new model to open public meeting in which to Some reflections underpin progress in a European debate the burning topics that society based on knowledge, affect the frontiers of knowledge. Europe will gain competitivity This major European science for the forthcoming through research and innovation, meeting (some call it – rather always bearing in mind the appropriately – an ‘assembly’) benefits accruing to society. is typically accompanied by an ESOF2008 The time has come, therefore, extensive programme of activities to “democratise” the triple helix. aimed at communicating science. ESOF 2008: Research and innovation In 2008, this will represent both as the new hallmark of Europe ESOF is an event that highlights a challenge and an opportunity European achievements in the for Barcelona, Catalonia and whole spectrum of science and Spain, as privileged hosts of a technology. ESOF is both an open forum that – as befits science for and benefits from private forum for the discussion of and technology – will leave its and public R+D efforts. science and technology-related mark on the future. themes and a showcase for At present, we cannot be European and international Research and innovation may satisfied that the significance research. For researchers, well provide the framework for and social impact of science scientists, and the public in a common European vision for and technology efforts are fully general, ESOF acts as a platform which ESOF 2008 aims to be appreciated. If science and for exchanging opinions and for the platform. Such a vision can technology are the key to debating the challenges and only be achieved by showing the progress in the ‘Europe of social repercussions of world world the strength and successes knowledge’, then these elements scientific and technological of the European science and must be considered fundamental advances. The high quality of technology sectors. This requires to economic and social issues and speakers at the first a public acknowledgment of the advancement in Europe. ESOF and now at ESOF2006 in achievements of European Munich (check the ESOF2006 companies that are leading We currently live in a context programme at www.esof2006.org) technology developers and which in which there are substantial guarantees the interest of the provide an impulse for social difficulties in achieving a public and we have to build progress that is equivalent to THE EUROSCIENCE OPEN consensus in relation to on this. that provided by public sector FORUM 2008 (ESOF 2008), to European integration. A vision enterprises (universities, research be held in Barcelona, wishes to that is common or that at least The ESOF organisation develops centres, etc.). make its contribution to placing converges is crucial for the future and maintains contacts with research and innovation firmly at of the 25 member states of the associations, professional Multidisciplinarity, proximity and the centre of the key project for European Union, in view of the bodies, industry and other agents an open focus – all aimed at the future of the European Union. strong scientific and economic essential to progress both in revealing the frontiers of science Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain, competition provided by North Europe and in the rest of the and technology – will be the key in two years’ time, will be the America, Japan and Asia, and, world. In the political arena, it elements in the ESOF 2008 knowledge meeting point for bearing in mind that social facilitates transparent and honest contribution to European unity Europe, and ESOF 2008 aims to progress ultimately depends consultation between researchers leading to a re-definition of the contribute to making scientific on science and technology. and those responsible for political principal actors in Europe’s research and innovation the new decision-making in the scientific science and technology system. hallmark of Europe. Scientific research and field; it also provides a forum technological innovation can for the expression of opinion by ESOF 2008 will be held in Recent reflections on the role of furnish the backbone for society. Both these goals are Barcelona in the month of July the various agents in developing definitive European integration. considered essential for defining and will be coordinated by the scientific and technological Implementation of the EU Lisbon an evidence-based scientific and Catalan Foundation for Research systems have led to the strategy and the Barcelona goals technological policy. and Innovation (FCRI). Broadly formulation of a model referred requires the wholehearted supported by the Spanish and to as the triple helix. This model support of the public for R+D. Multidisciplinarity is one of the Catalan governments and by considers the academic world, Such support will ultimately result most relevant features of ESOF, bodies based in and around the business world and the public in a transparency of information which represents knowledge Barcelona, the ESOF will convert sector as fundamental elements and a raised awareness that will areas as varied as the Barcelona in July 2008 into an in science and technology help overcome the distance that humanities, nuclear physics and international meeting point for systems. However, valid the separates Europe from its astronomy, but also other sectors science. model is, there are those who competitors. such as politics and journalism. demand the inclusion of a more In general, however, ESOF is Enric Banda democratic component - namely, The reformulation of the triple aimed at all those interested in Catalan Foundation for the incorporation of “society” helix to include society broadens science and technology. With a Research and Innovation (FCRI) itself – as yet another key agent the concept of science and view to improving awareness of Chairman ESOF 2008 in the helix, given that it is technology to include all the science, one of the original [email protected] “society” which ultimately pays elements that contribute to added features of ESOF 2008 will be an

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INVITATION TO “We are all excited now about attending ESOF2006 in SUBMIT BIDS Munich” Enric Banda says. TO HOST ESOF2010 “Don’t miss it but you can also plan your visit to Barcelona in July 2008 which, also, will be EUROSCIENCE has initiated formally cities, regions, countries an event not to be missed…” the EUROSCIENCE Open Forum or local, regional or national meetings which are the European consortia to submit bids to meeting place for scientists, host ESOF2010. science teachers, media, In July 2008, Barcelona will Catalan Studies (IEC); the politicians, industry and the Bids should be received, at the host the 3rd edition of the Royal Academy of the public at large on issues of latest on the 15 November 2006, EUROSCIENCE Open Forum and Arts of Barcelona (RACAB); science and technology, society at the EUROSCIENCE office in (ESOF 2008). Barcelona was the Catalan Radio and and policy. Strasbourg. A decision on where chosen as the location over Television Corporation; the to host ESOF2010 will be taken a number of other candidate Catalan Association for The first successful ESOF by the 1 February 2007. cities in a decision taken by Scientific Communication meeting took place in the EUROSCIENCE Board (ACCC); the Catalan Council for in August 2004. The second will More information on last December. The Catalan Scientific Communication (C4); be held in Munich in July 2006 http://www.euroscience.org/ Foundation for Research and and Caixa de Pensions and (http://www.esof2006.org) and ESOF/esof2010.htm Innovation (FCRI) will organise Caixa Catalunya. the selection of Barcelona for and manage the event following ESOF2008, following a strong Peter Tindemans the presentation of its At the local level, the Chamber competition with Naples and Chair ESOF Governance candidature in Strasbourg of Commerce of Barcelona, and Genoa, has just been announced. Committee on 7 November last. at the international level, the EUROSCIENCE now invites [email protected] European Science Foundation The FCRI has managed to (ESF), have recently offered mobilise the support of a their support. Many other number of government and organisations and companies socio-economic bodies for the are expected to become project and has put together a involved in the future. Local Promoting Consortium to host the event. Participants The ESOF 2008 Programme include: the Generalitat of Committee will focus on Catalonia (Dept. of Universities some 20 major themes in Research and the Information the definitive programme of Society, Dept. of Labour, events, to be selected from Industry and Tourism, Dept. among the proposals made by of the Economy and Finance; individuals or groups, whether Dept. of Health; Dept. of researchers, journalists, Culture, and Dept. of the politicians, experts or other Euroscience Environment and Housing); agents interested in science Barcelona City Council; Spanish and technology. These government ministries (Ministry proposals will centre on the on the Web: of Education and Science, social focus of science and Ministry of Science and its repercussions and its www.euroscience.org Industry, Ministry of Tourism influence on the ordinary lives and Trade); the Spanish of the people. National Research Council (CSIC); the Spanish Foundation It is now possible to sign up for Science and Technology online (www.esof2008.org) for (FECYT); the Confederation of regular updates and news of Scientific Societies of Spain ESOF 2008. (COSCE); the Institute of

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among students and parents. It Declining student interest requires good pedagogic skills to overcome these hurdles, and to convey the enormous intrinsic for S&T studies: trends, value of S&T and the merits of S&T careers. However, S&T teaching staff is often recruited factors, and solutions on the basis of competence in their specific subject, not in teaching per se. Flexible, more attractive curriculum structures THE EVOLUTION OF STUDENT increased number of students Since increasing the number of with updated S&T contents enrolments in science and in non-S&T disciplines. However, female students appears to be should also be devised as S&T technology (S&T) at various levels it is important to stress that the most obvious way to increase fields face increasing competition of the educational system has the situation is highly the overall number of S&T for good students from new, been an issue of considerable heterogeneous between countries students, governments should trendier subjects in higher interest in many OECD countries and disciplines. Some areas, actively promote equal education. over recent years, as economies such as mathematics or physical opportunity, and should adopt are increasingly driven by complex sciences, show particularly policies to eliminate negative Lastly, accurate knowledge knowledge and advanced worrying trends, with drops in stereotypes. An interesting result about S&T professions and cognitive skills. Indeed, in Europe, absolute numbers of S&T is the proportion of female career prospects are key fulfilling the Lisbon agenda would university graduates reaching students in life sciences (this elements of orientation, but are require a large increase in S&T- 20-50% over the last 10 years is also true for health studies), currently fraught with stereotypes trained students. The OECD in countries such as France or which is above 50% for all the and incomplete information. Global Science Forum has just Germany. On the other hand, countries analysed. Such results For instance, career prospects completed a two-year study on life science and engineering are show that female students are should not be restricted to that this issue, based on the work of much better off. willing to study science provided of the research area only. The a Working Group composed of some specific criteria are met, – provision of accurate information experts from 16 countries and What will be the consequences a good lead to follow for the other is therefore an important aspect from the European Commission. of the current trends? As the disciplines. of any policy that is aimed at Statistical data on student number of higher education increasing the attractiveness enrolments and graduation students will soon reach a of S&T studies and careers. rates submitted by 19 countries plateau and since many European THREE This entails not only information were analysed together with countries will face demographic Student choices are mostly provided to students (by information on factors challenges, a continuing drop in affected by their image of teachers, career advisors etc.) contributing to possible declining relative terms may soon become S&T professions, the content but also interactions between interest, and solutions attempted a fall in absolute numbers. of S&T curricula and the all the stakeholder communities in different countries, and the quality of teaching. (education, scientists, preliminary findings were debated business etc.). during a concluding international TWO Student decisions about study conference in Amsterdam on Women are still strongly and career paths are primarily More information: November 14/15, 2005. under-represented in S&T based upon interest for a http://www.oecd.org/sti/gsf studies. particular field, and on their Frédéric Sgard Three major conclusions can perception of job prospects in [email protected] be drawn from this work: Although the number of female that field. Educational content students in tertiary education and curricula play an important has increased more rapidly than role in raising and maintaining ONE that of males, the proportion of young people’s interest in S&T. Contrary to what is sometimes women choosing S&T studies Positive contacts with science claimed, S&T student numbers still remains below 40% in most and technology at an early age have been increasing in real OECD countries. The choice of can have a long-lasting impact. terms in recent years, but disciplines is highly gender- On the other hand, negative decreasing in relative terms. dependent and fields of study experiences at school, due to such as engineering or computing uninteresting contents or poor Most OECD economies have sciences are largely male- teaching, often have a very experienced a large increase in dominated. These choices may be detrimental effect on future the number of students in higher linked to the negative pressures choices. Governments and education over the last 15 years. and external expectations appropriate institutions should As a consequence, the absolute affecting female students. therefore provide adequate number of students in S&T fields Persistent stereotypes weigh resources for teacher training and shows an overall increase, but the heavily on female student choices pedagogy. Indeed, S&T disciplines proportion of S&T students has throughout their education are usually perceived as difficult, Frédéric Sgard is Vice President of steadily decreased during the curriculum, a phenomenon that and results achieved by students Euroscience. He was the convenor of an international conference on the subject same period. This drop in relative can also similarly affect students are frequently used to select of the present article which was sponsored terms is the result of the large from minority groups. students, which generates anxiety by the OECD

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IMPORTANCE OF A Parable MINORITY LANGUAGES EUROSCIENCE SUPPORTS THE RESOLUTION FROM EASA

Protect Variety Individual EU member states must Cultural pride, diversity and allow for specific and regional It was a fact. The economy was increase the petrol supply. historical awareness are the cultural diversity in their respective stagnating. First, one Government But what of that? «The economy, pillars upon which the future countries. The steady decrease in noticed it, then another, until they said, is based not merely of Europe rests. the use of European minority eventually all twenty-five agreed. on trucks, but rather on the languages must be reversed What should be done? On the knowledge of the drivers». 1 Linguistic diversity is an before they become extinct. other side of the pond, all Unfortunately, there was still essential element in maintaining seemed so well, but of course a shortage of trainees. Nobody cultural heritage in Europe. This there were so many more truck seemed interested in driving highlights the importance of all drivers over there. «Never mind, trucks. Training schools stood European minority languages. they said, we will simply train empty, even when tuition fees 2 Preserving European culture more of them, and our economy were increased. «Well, said the and traditions helps to maintain will improve as surely as night experts, we have done all we openness towards the outside ACADEMIA SCIENTIARIUM follows day. In fact, we will train can. If the people won't listen world and safeguard interest for ET ARTIUM EUROPAEA so many that our countries will to us and train to become truck continually renewed knowledge. EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF become the most advanced in drivers, then it is their fault 3 Active national and EU SCIENCES AND ARTS the world by 2010». Some the economy is doing badly, language policy will endorse the EUROPÄISCHE AKADEMIE DER muttered that no money was not ours.» cultural richness of European WISSENSCHAFT UND KÜNSTE available to improve roads, or societies and result in culturally L'ACADÉMIE EUROPÉENNE buy more trucks, or even to JPC proud European citizens. DES SCIENCES ET DES ARTS

return because work As young as our association A VIEW opportunities are also good. we have assembled a few instruments for research and As for myself, I have finished my some computers. Of course FROM university studies at the University such endeavours need funds of Burundi in the Faculty of and we are seeking financial Biological Sciences with a support, especially from AFRICA “diplome de licence en sciences charitable donations. We also biologiques” with distinction. I want to collaborate on a wide have now created an “association basis with European scientists des chercheurs” (researchers) on and collaboration, formation medicinal plants (ACPM) which is of scientists. supported by the government of Burundi and which was funded as We hope to be able to participate from September 2005. This in EUROSCIENCE Open Forum association of scientists aims to (ESOF2006) in order to have a I AM AN AFRICAN (Burundian) even more, recommendations, collect and to discover medical face to face dialogue with other and I am a EUROSCIENCE together, to develop a plan for plants in Burundi and in the great Europeans scientists. member because I appreciate the future. lakes countries (“pays des grands your activities and your ambitions. lacs”). These medical plants will I finish by encouraging European I am very happy to see and to In my country, Burundi, the help biomedical research and I researchers (especially from know how EUROSCIENCE is government is investing to will report to EUROSCIENCE EUROSCIENCE) to work in this participating in science support education in primary about our discoveries, and interesting region of Africa, development in Europe and is schools and to provide academic hope that there will be other now that the war is over and the voice of science in Europe. training that encourages EUROSCIENCE members with there are favourable conditions professors, doctors and students whom I can compare my results which can attract European I know that EUROSCIENCE to pursue a research career in in order to identify varieties of researchers. You will certainly brings people together and that science. Many of these people interest for biomedical research. have a warm welcome when this also includes African will probably leave the country for We also relate our biological you come here. scientists. I hope that I, and better research opportunities in findings to recent natural others, will be able to collaborate other countries such as the USA disasters and ethnic conflicts Aimé Ndikuriyo and contribute some ideas and, or Canada but they may also in our region. [email protected]

SPRING 2006 ES NEWS . PAGE 7 letters

NEWS FROM “Science cafes” began from A letter to October 2005, in cooperation GREECE with the British Council of Athens and the Institut Français the editor of d'Athènes. Two science cafes have been held; the first focused on women in science and the Euroscience other on the metropolitan IN GREECE we are working hard sustainability. Three scientific to establish a local section. It has cafes will be held during the first News been a full year, trying mostly to semester of 2006 in cooperation establish a healthy organization with the British Council in the which would, in a short period of form of web conference with time, act for the good of science speakers from Turkey, Russia and the dissemination of and Serbia. In the framework innovation results to the Greek of our workgroup MFD, we run WE, SCIENTISTS, create, provide choose one reference out of society. We believe that we have the project “Accessibility to and judge the science presented several, From now on, I shall succeeded and now we continue Knowledge” funded by the EU and to journals. While we are not paid choose a reference to a paper with a greater momentum in order the General Secretariat of Youth, by the publishers, we pay to get that I and my readers can to spread the word; science is for under the Youth Programme. This access to this science. access freely on the Internet everyone. Apart from other project actually counts the degree PubMed. If we all do that, we activities, we participated at the of accessibility of the universities Publishers, concentrating more shall push the impact factor of European Forum for early career in the area of Athens for people and more journals within a few those journals (printed or not) researchers, the Science and with disabilities. The project was companies, use their oligopoly which do not grudge us. Society forum 2005 and at the accomplished in February 2006 to charge more and more and “Communicating European and has attracted unexpected earn tremendous amounts of Roland Pochet, ULB Research” which has been held publicity. At last, we have money. They use a snobbism [email protected] in Brussels during November of successfully accomplished the about impact factors and the 2005. We have selected, after FARE 2005 project in Greece and tyranny this exerts on the career exams, 5 students from Greek we are getting ready to organize of young scientists. Please send letters on any schools who participated at the an international geophysical topic of relevance to X-lab of the Göttingen University. conference during 2007. We can dilute this power in a Euroscience to the Editor, Since May 2005, we have joined simple way. Open access is the ES News, Strasbourg, the European network SINAPSE. Michael S. Arvanitis only answer. Whenever I have to offi[email protected] Moreover, a new series of [email protected]

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Scientific Advisory committee at (the largest ground-based Research Area already exists in ESA (European Space Agency) – telescope in the world, a 20 year astronomy, due to numerous which prepared the Horizon-2000 space programme practically collaborations, apart from the Plus long term plan for space without failure). He wants Europe use of common instruments. research up to 2015. He is not to be the junior partner of the also a founder member of USA. He defends the idea that The questions of manpower EUROSCIENCE. All along the there exists an independent and funding are also addressed. book, which tells a story which European launcher capability. Country by country the research he has lived, he shows himself He criticizes the waste of money population and funding are as a dedicated European, true without return placed in the studied and the cost of an innovator and top manager, but Space Station. In general, he astronomer is evaluated. The fate also continuously pondering over trusts the capabilities of of postdocs remains worrying. the limitations created by the European researchers. An interesting chapter, a model existence of national states in of methodology, is devoted to Europe and by the unconfortable However even if astronomy is publications. The author produces but inevitable relation with the the science of heavens, its a set of graphs which exhibit United States of America. advancement takes place on the productivity of European the earth. L. Woltjer has astronomy in comparison with the Therefore, this book succeeds experienced all the tricks USA and Japan, the productivity By Lodewijk Woltjer, EDP in offering several topics: an which crop up in any political of each country and the evolution Sciences, Les Ulis, 2006-03-19 extensive inventory of the new negotiation with governments of publication rate with time. ISBN 2 86883 813 8 installations which were built on and major funders in Europe. He One is pleased to learn that with Price: 35 euros the ground and in space during knows that Europe’s decision- a prolific number of instruments, the period, an argued view of making is slow and that during the European astronomy does well THE BOOK BY Lodewijk Woltjer the future instruments (since discussion process committees and has reached equality in (preface by Philippe Busquin) astronomy is a discipline well may be conservative and often number of publications with the relates the remarkable works used to long term planning), a loose perspectives. Often national US since 1997. represented by the building of presentation of the impressive (technological or industrial) astronomy as a European results obtained in the last years interests and competition No situation can be totally rosy, endeavour from about 1975 by a science which has reached between communities inside and problems are also displayed. till 2005. maturity, and finally a reference astronomy end up torpedoing But the book by L. Woltjer, with handbook of science policy. European projects. Delays pile up. its blend of enthusiasm and of L. Woltjer is one of the major realism, shows that there is a actors of this development, since As regards this last aspect, the L. Woltjer gives the cost of each vast advantage for a discipline to he was operational in two of the personal positions of the author project and presents the way fight for promoting leaders, not European large infrastructure are clear and robust. He pleads each was implemented. He only great scientists but also intergovernmental organisations: for Europe’s self confidence in tells us that 42% of the total vigorous and far seeing managers. first, he was director of ESO scientific research, an attitude astronomy spending in Europe is (European Southern Observatory) which, in astronomy, can europeanized and optimistically Françoise Praderie and later chairman of the legitimately rest on success claims that the European [email protected]

ES Board and convenor of the A new Ile-de-France section and Raymond Seltz, Secretary General Euroscience of EUROSCIENCE acted as Local Section patrons of the new section. The science cafe tackled many is born aspects of the growing nanoworld, nicely introduced into THE EVENT took place on March public debate by Roger Maynard 21, 2006 at “Au Tonneau de from a physicist’s perspective, Diogene” in Grenoble within the and Dominique Vinck for the framework of a ‘science cafe’ socio-economic dimension: on the status of nanoscience. nanosciences in a world wide competition, social implications of Michel Belakhovsky, the founder nanotechnologies in public health, of the section, was supported by individual freedom, etc… as well more than 50 friends and future as the corresponding budget members. priorities in national and European science programmes. Roger Maynard, president of the “Société Française de Physique”, Michel Belakhovsky The nano world seen by Georges Waysand (Ile-de-France section) Georges Waysand, member of the [email protected]

SPRING 2006 ES NEWS . PAGE 9 EUROSCIENCE DAY INFORMATION ABOUT AT ESOF2006 THE EUROSCIENCE 17 JULY 2006, GENERAL ASSEMBLY 8:30 TO 18:30

THE FORUM AM DEUTSCHEN MUSEUM, ROOM "TERRA" THE EUROSCIENCE GENERAL Assembly, the Governing Board, Assembly will take place on the Executive Committee (in the THESE EVENTS are open to 17 July 2006 from 17:00 current Statutes this is called all participants of ESOF: 13:00 – 14:00 to 18:30 hrs, just after the the Office) and the various Lunch Break EUROSCIENCE Day. officers, such as the President, the Secretary General and 9:00 – 10:30 The General Assembly is the Treasurer. “Hands-on Science” 14:00 – 15:00 composed of all EUROSCIENCE – The current structure puts the “Is Euroscience actually members with the right to vote. President in a very prominent Part I – Presented by the Léman building the European Besides the usual legalities position. Whereas in practice Section (45min) by Didier Raboud Research Area?” such as report from the the President does play of President, report from the course a crucial role, it is better Part II – Presented for the Guest Lecture by Enric Banda Secretary General and report to define her or him as one of South-East European Sections (former General Secretary of from the Treasurer, the following the officers and as chair of the by the Serbian Section (45min) the ESF) items will be on the agenda: two main bodies of the by Stevan Jokiç association EUROSCIENCE, Lecture based on a proposal – revised statutes of namely the General Assembly received from Nelly Didenko EUROSCIENCE and the Governing Board. 10:30 – 11:00 of the Russian Section – endorsement of the new – We have created some new “Benchmarking Russian In the Chair: Nelly Didenko Governing Board. The new structures, ESOF being a very Science and Technology Governing Board will have important one, that needs Productivity” been elected by the anchoring in our Statutes. 15:00 – 16:30 EUROSCIENCE members – Many also felt a need for by Professor Irina Eliseeva “Structuring the Euroscience by email prior to the simplification, for example as (Director of Sociological Institute Prize for Young Scientists” General Assembly. regards the objectives, of RAS in St Petersburg) – discussion on the membership categories or two In the Chair: J-P Connerade Presentation by Didier Raboud EUROSCIENCE project types of General Assemblies. (Léman Section) and Frédéric “City of science” – Perhaps more consistently than Sgard (Ile-de-France Section) previously an attempt has been 11:00 – 11:30 followed by a general debate Why new statutes? made to distinguish between Coffee Break with the audience. what needs to be in the In the Chair: Robert Klapisch – EUROSCIENCE has now Statutes, which have to be almost ten years of experience approved, and implementation 11:30 – 13.00 in working with the mechanisms arrangements, for which the “Higher Education and 16:30 – 17:00 and rules laid down in the Governing Board should adopt Research” Coffee Break Statutes. This experience Rules of Procedure. suggest improvements and Part I – The Bologna Process For Euroscience Members: changes in several areas. A full agenda will be emailed and its impact on European 17:00 – 18:30 – There is a need to clarify to you in time before the University research (45min) General Assembly of Euroscience responsibilities of the General General Assembly. presented by Vsevolod Borissov (Russian Section) and Radu Damian (Romanian Section) 18:30 Close (J-P Connerade) Part II – “How the Lisbon- Barcelona goals affect the Marie Curie Programme” (45 min) presentation from the European Commission (by Alex Quintanilha)

With support from UNESCO-ROSTE

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yet in the Near East outside The Institute envisages to Fruitful returns Israel). The services should develop international partnerships contribute in part to the self- and cooperation, for instance financing of the research with the Pasteur Institutes in induced by the activities of the Institute, which France where Bahr worked as a will focus on microbiology, post-doc and the French Academy immunology and oncology. of Sciences (which is contributing Rammal Award The Institute has been granted to the establishment of a newly a piece of land in the area of created Lebanese Academy). Tripoli, in northern Lebanon, and the donation of a building Dr Bahr is particularly keen to is under negociation. Funding explore new scientific partnerships will be secured by industrial in Europe. Members of THE 2004 RAMMAL PRIZE has The laureate took immediate sponsors, public institutions and EUROSCIENCE who have been awarded to Georges Bahr, action and drafted a plan for a non-governmental organizations suggestions in this respect, or who a microbiologist from Lebanon, Lebanese Institute for Biomedical which have aready made specific are interested in other aspects of by a special Board under the Research. The concept commitments. The Centre will the operation, can contact him at auspices of EUROSCIENCE associates three research also be equipped to train [email protected]. (See EUROSCIENCE News, departments with three facilities graduate and post-graduate No. 32). The event attracted wide offering modern medical services: students from two neighbouring Developments described media coverage in Lebanon. a vaccination Centre, a diagnostic universities (the Lebanese above show that the award of During a ceremony organized in Centre including cutting edge University of Tripoli and Balamand the Rammal prize can have far- his honor by public authorities, molecular techniques, and Medical School, a private reaching consequences despite local entrepreneurs suggested confined culture booths allowing university where Dr Bahr has a its relatively modest dotation. that Dr Bahr should take this the identification and investigation teaching position). Its operation opportunity to plan for a new of potentially dangerous microbes will be evaluated by an Claude Kordon research Institute. (no device of this kind exists as international steering committee. [email protected]

Saidi, professor at the University presently Director. This group has together researchers from all THE RAMMAL Mohammed V-Agdal, Rabat. made original internationally Mediterranean shores, and has recognised contributions in the co-ordinated the organisation of AWARD 2005 El Hassan Saidi, 49, has areas of critical phenomena, field Arab Scientists visiting ICTP. In published extensively in theory, particle physics, strings 2000 Saidi created the African REWARDS theoretical and mathematical and branes. A major aspect of Centre for Basic Science and physics in areas such as LHPE’s mission is the training of Technology (ACBT). One of the A PHYSICIST superstring theory, supersymmetry young PhD students in modern steps toward the concretisation and gravitation, interacting science and through this has of ACBT has been the creation FROM strongly for more than twenty contributed to the building of a of the African Journal of years with the International scientific capability in Morocco Mathematical Physics, of which MOROCCO Center for Theoretical Physics and the region. Saidi is editor in chief. Saidi has (ICTP) in . In 1988 he was also worked to disseminate awarded the Abdus Salam Prize Saidi has been extensively and science to the general public in for Scientific Creation in Morocco. actively engaged in both the Morocco through initiatives such In Morocco Saidi created a High promotion and dissemination of as the review journal Courrier Energy and Mathematical Physics science in Africa, and in the Scientifique Universitaire. research group in 1990, which promotion of scientific cooperation BY UNANIMOUS DECISION of subsequently became the between many Mediterranean The award ceremony will take its expert panel, the Rammal Laboratoire de Physique des countries. He has co-organised place during the EUROSCIENCE Award for the year 2005 will be Hautes Energies (LPHE) of the regional scientific meetings and Open Forum 2006 in Munich. awarded to Professor El Hassan University of Rabat, of which he is workshops that have brought

THE RAMMAL AWARD created exchanges in this part of presentations and contact of EUROSCIENCE in memory of the great Lebanese the world. possible candidates should be physicist Rammal Rammal sent (preferably via Email) to: CALL FOR (1951-1991), is awarded each Scientists of all disciplines may year to an outstanding personality suggest names of nominees. Dr. R. Lestienne, NOMINATIONS of strong scientific stature who, Active scientists from any 30 rue du Ranelagh, through his or her life and activity disciplinary background, including 75016 Paris, FOR RAMMAL in a Mediterranean country exact sciences, social sciences [email protected] (whether in fundamental or applied and humanities, are eligible. Before August 1st, 2006 AWARD 2006 research, teaching, or the Organisations supporting similar integration of knowledge), has objectives are also eligible, as elevated the level of scientific well as self-candidacies. Short

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interested in EUROSCIENCE. seriously consider John's appeal. Thank you, John! It provides feedback and We would like to thank John for stimulates new initiatives at the his commitment and for the same time. John successfully sterling work he has done for nurtured this essential part of EUROSCIENCE. We are happy EUROSCIENCE, contributing that he will stay with us as an enormously to the liveliness and active member and we wish him excitement of our association. all the best for the future. As John himself says : Let’s hear what he says himself “Editing ES News was a steep about his future plans : “I did this (ES News) with that last December, I had reluctantly to resign from ES increasing pleasure for just News. For the same reason, I gave up teaching final year over 3 years – a very students at my university (molecular cell biology) last stimulating experience” year, having taught these courses since my ‘official’ retirement from the university learning curve for me, 'mentored' “I will be re-launching our seven years ago. by John Finney and Françoise programme of videotape Praderie and no doubt profiting interviews of eminent Apart from working for the UK from my experience with biochemists, as well as Medical Research Council for The Biochemist, the magazine preparing a web-browsable 4 years, a highlight of my career of the UK Biochemical Society. catalogue of our extensive was when I was Professor of I did this (ES News) with collection of hard copy material. biochemistry at the University increasing pleasure for just over This collection, I’m pleased to WE ARE SORRY TO REPORT of Zambia medical school from 3 years – a very stimulating add, now includes my recent that John Lagnado has resigned 1979 to 1983, on leave from experience which allowed me to acquisition of Fred Sanger's as the (voluntary) Editor of the University of London. I’m make acquaintance with a wide (double Nobel prize winner) ES News from January 2006 convinced that Euroscience spectrum of interesting people complete set of lab notebooks onwards, but happy to say that should continue to maintain links and to widen my horizons. (1943-1980).” he is moving on to other with science outside Europe, eg pastures. Surely, all the members Africa and India.” I have strived to produce All this sounds extremely of EUROSCIENCE will want to something attractive and useful interesting – Dear John, we are wish him well. The first ES Newsletter published as Editor of some 15 issues, counting on a detailed report under John's aegis was ES News and I owe a great deal to our from you for one of the next The main reason for his decision No. 21 in Autumn 2002. In the designer Nick Vincent and to editions of ES News ! Editors and are his heavy commitments following years, all attentive members of the Board, past former Editors of EUROSCIENCE elsewhere, in particular in readers could see how the and present, for their generous News do lead interesting lives… managing and developing the newsletter further evolved in support. But I do not feel I am archives of the Biochemical content and design, thanks to able to continue to devote the JPC & RS Society, as he explains: John’s commitment. time and energy this task requires. New blood is needed!” THE NEXT EDITION OF “In 2000 I became the Honorary The ES Newletter plays a vital EUROSCIENCE NEWS WILL Archivist of the UK Biochemical role in our association's life. It Currently, as an interim solution, BE ESPECIALLY DEDICATED Society – an activity which reflects the enormous potential Julia at the ES office in TO THE EUROSCIENCE increased in scope, especially of ideas within EUROSCIENCE, Strasbourg is taking care of the OPEN FORUM 2006. after I managed to secure and communicates the wide Newsletter. However, every ES external grants to support my variety of our activities to our member who aims to serve on IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS work as archivist, to the extent members and to everybody the next Governing Board should ARE WELCOME!

EUROSCIENCE NEWS IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. IT IS SENT AT NO COST TO Copy for the next issue EUROSCIENCE MEMBERS. NON-MEMBERS ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: 40EUROS. PUBLISHED BY EUROSCIENCE. DESIGNED BY NVA; EMAIL: [email protected] should reach the editor, PRINTED BY DINEFWR PRESS; EMAIL: [email protected] © EUROSCIENCE. MATERIAL MAY BE CITED PROVIDED FULL REFERENCE IS GIVEN. OPINIONS preferably by email to EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE CONTRIBUTORS, AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF EUROSCIENCE OR THE EDITOR. EDITOR – JULIA EPP, EUROSCIENCE, 8 RUE DES ECRIVAINS, [email protected], F-67000 STRASBOURG, FRANCE. TEL: +33 3 88 24 75 57; FAX: +33 388 24 75 56 CONTACTING EUROSCIENCE: RAYMOND SELTZ, 8 RUE DES ECRIVAINS, F-67000 STRASBOURG, by 31 May 2006 FRANCE. TEL: +33 3 88 24 11 50; FAX : +33 3 88 24 75 56; EMAIL: [email protected].

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